4.2. Economic Needs

The Chutiyas live in the remote jungle area or in the banks of the river. There are some economic and social needs. As these people traditionally depend on nature for their day to day existence, the jungle or the river is the main source of their livelihood. They collect their day to day needs like fire wood, honey, fruits, banana, cotton, jungle medicine plant, herbs, wood, bamboo, etc. They collect wood, bamboo, etc from the jungle. The river is the main transportation medium for the Chutiyas in ancient time and, therefore, the people select their habitation on the banks of the river. On the other hand, a large section of people still use the river water for drinking, bathing, washing and for agricultural purpose. So the river plays an important role in the lives of the Chutiyas. This are the economic needs of this people living in remote areas and these places yet to be developed.

At present the Chutiyas inhabit mostly the Upper Assam mainly in the undivided Lakhimpur and Sivsagar District. A few of them also live in Nagaon, Morigaon and hill sides of Karimganj district. These people traditionally maintain their geographical isolation and still they donor like to mixup with other people. In the present environmental and geographical setup no society can remain isolated in true sense. However, the Chutiyas have a peculiar characteristics of maintaining separation from other people. Here we mention the name of some Chutiya populated places in different parts of Assam. Where they maintain the isolation traditionally from earlier.
Dhemaji District
Dijmur, Sisiborgeon, Siripani, Ski kalghar, Naruwathan, Bordoloni, Lotak, Chutiabari, Khalihamari, Samar-Ian etc.
Lakhimpur District
Mornai Bebejia, Kekori Bebejia, Bordoibam, Chenaidegholi, Kulabali (Boginadi), Siajuli (Kodom), Borchapori (Ghunasuti).
Sonitpur District
Dubiya, Kalabari, Gangmow (Gohpur), Bihali, Bihaguri etc.
Tinsukia District
Makum Barakuri, Kakopathar, Lakhipathar, Filobar'.

Dibrugarh District

Lagai, Rohmoria, Lahual etc.