Population

Population refers to the total number of individuals of a species living in a particular geographical area at a specific time. The study of human populations is called demography.

Population Explosion in India

Population explosion refers to the rapid increase in the population of an area. India has experienced a significant population explosion since the mid-20th century.

Reasons for Population Explosion

• High Birth Rate: Due to factors like early marriage, lack of awareness about family planning, and a preference for male children.
• Low Death Rate: Due to advancements in medical science, better sanitation, and control of epidemics, the death rate has declined significantly.
• Poverty and Illiteracy: Lack of education and awareness often leads to larger family sizes.

Key Demographic Terms

• Demography: The statistical study of human populations, including their size, structure, and distribution.
• Population Density: The number of individuals per unit of geographical area (e.g., per square kilometer).
• Birth Rate (Natality): The number of live births per thousand people in a population in a given year.
• Death Rate (Mortality): The number of deaths per thousand people in a population in a given year.
• Growth Rate of Population: The rate at which a population is increasing or decreasing in a given year due to natural increase and net migration.

Problems Due to Population Explosion

• Unemployment: A large population puts pressure on the job market, leading to high rates of unemployment.
• Over-exploitation of Natural Resources: Increased demand for resources like water, food, and energy leads to their depletion and degradation.
• Low Per Capita Income: A large population can lead to a lower per capita income, as the national income is divided among more people.
• Price Rise (Inflation): High demand for goods and services can lead to an increase in their prices.
• Pollution: A larger population generates more waste and pollution, leading to environmental degradation.
• Unequal Distribution of Wealth: Population explosion can exacerbate existing inequalities in the distribution of wealth and resources.

Population Control Measures

Population control is the practice of artificially altering the rate of growth of a human population. In India, the government has implemented various measures to control population growth.

Surgical Methods

Surgical methods of contraception are permanent and highly effective.

• Vasectomy (Male Sterilization):

  • Procedure: A surgical procedure in which the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testes) are cut or sealed.
  • Effect: Prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation.
  • Reversibility: Can sometimes be reversed, but the success rate is not guaranteed.

• Tubectomy (Female Sterilization):

  • Procedure: A surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) are blocked or sealed.
  • Effect: Prevents the egg from reaching the uterus and being fertilized.
  • Reversibility: Difficult to reverse.