OVERpopulation
video: Introduction on poverty in india
Causes
Overpopulation simply means a situation where too many people or animals live in a certain area. In India, with the population of nearly 1.3 billion citizens living an estimated area of 3 million square kilometres, it is no wonder that India is overpopulated. With the birth rate of India standing at an alarming rate of 19.89 births/1,000 population, this is one of the major causes of overpopulation. The death rate in India is only 7.35 deaths/1,000 population. (The World Factbook, 2014) As a result of advancements in medical technology, there are methods to cure illness. Fertility is also made safer. This no doubt decreases the death rate and increases the birth rate of the country. This is one major factor contributing to the rapid increase in population in India.
Moreover, another important cause is the lack of education widespread in India. The literacy rate, which is the ability of citizens 15 years and above to read and write is only 62.8%, in which is 75.2% for male and 50.8% for females. (The World Factbook, 2014) This is a problem as those lacking of education fail to recognise the need to curb population growth. They are unable to understand the consequences of overpopulation, or may not even be aware of the overpopulation issue in their country. Also, modern methods of birth control and family planning will not be adopted, since these will not reach the illiterate through education. With a section of the community lacking of education, it is another cause for overpopulation.
India, being the origin of the Indus Valley Civilisation, has a long history as an agricultural community. This formed the ideal that having more children is more beneficial for the family. Since this ideal has been present for thousands of years, it is no wonder that an Indian family would prefer to have more children. Cultural influences in India have brought about overpopulation. As traditional Indians believe in marriage at a young age, the years at which the female is able to conceive is longer, and her chances of pregnancies increases. Furthermore, a male child is preferred in the family. This indirectly forces couples to produce a certain number of children until a child of the preferred gender is conceived. Also, a woman’s role is considered traditionally to a child-bearer of the family. This causes societal pressure to give birth to more children. Thus, it results in large families which lead to overpopulation of the nation as a whole. (Buzzle, 2014
Consequences
Though overpopulation ar a glance may seem pleasant as it provides essential manpower to keep the economy of the nation going, it implicates many problems. This problems are not only societal challenges,but also affects the enviornment. One area which will greatly be affected is the strain of resources. Many basic resources which are essential to survival are strained by the population. One key area is the access to food supplies. Drought is a major concern in India as it occurs every two to three years. This causes low output of staple food production. Also, as the population increases, the demand for food increases. With the limited output from the agricultural sector, this causes hunger to be prevalent in the Indian community. India rankes 63 in the Global Hunger Index and only has a score of 21.3. Almost 40 percent of children under 5 in India is underweight, ranking one of the highest in the index. (Global Hunger Index 2013) This indicates the widespread inability to access sufficient amount of food in the general Indian community. As seen from the figure, India has made lesser progress than its developing conterparts such as Brazil and China in reducing GHI scores, one of the reasons being the issue of overpopulation. As a result of overpopulation and limited production of food, many people in India face the difficulties of filling their stomachs.
Water, being the key to survival, is strained by overpopulation. Many people in India lack access to useable water for consumption. Children in 100 million families lack water (The Water Project, 2014) Although the Indian government has made improvements to the availability and quality of municipal drinking water systems over the past decades, the large population of the nation have stressed the planned water resources and rural areas are left out on the planning. One main reason is the accessibility to these areas. Moreover, the rapid growths in India’s urban areas have stretched the solutions provided by the government, which have been further compromised by over-privatisation. In addition, despite the improvements made, many water sources are contaminated by biochemical pollutants, in which over 21% of the country's diseases are water related (The Water Project, 2014). This further depletes the availability of portable water in India, which is insufficient to supply the growing population. Another concern is the lack of long term availability of replenishes able water resources in India. While India's aquifers are currently associated with replenishing sources, the country is also a major producer of staple grains. With a larger agricultural output, the excess water consumption for food production will also deplete the overall water table. As aquifers are depleted faster than they can be replenished to supply the large population, the issue of overpopulation together with other factors will no doubt cause the problem of water scarcity in India.
Another vital area will be the decrease in overall air quality of the nation. With the increasing population, there is an increase in industry which produces. A study in Delhi, the capital of India showed that has the highest cluster of small-scale industries in India that contribute to 12% of air pollutants along with other industrial units.Vehicular pollution is another important contributor to air pollution in Delhi. According to the Department of Transport, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, vehicular population is estimated at more than 3.4 million, reaching here at a growth rate of 7% per annum. This contributes to two thirds of the pollution in Delhi. (Gupta; Rizwan; Nongkynrih, 2013) Air pollution not only decreases the quality of life of the citizens, but also bring about chronic health problems. Air pollution, on average, is believed to result in 200 deaths each year per 100,000 people. In India, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cardio-vascular diseases and other respiratory diseases are the leading (28% of the total) causes of deaths. Furthermore, air pollution will burden the population with an increase in absenteeism and medical expenses due to respiratory diseases and decrease in work hours and productivity of the citizens as they are affected by illnesses. The impact of air pollution is higher in India's metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Delhi with the fine particles such as SO2 and NO2, this causes 5000 to 15,000 excess deaths per year in Mumbai and about 7,000 to 22,000 excess deaths per year in Delhi. (Jathar, n.d.). As seen from the figure, India has a relatively higher concentration of PM2.5 than USA, despite USA being a fully industralised country, suggesting the extent of air pollution in India. The condition is also seen worse in the cities, where industries and more vehicles are found. Hence it can be seen that overpopulation leads to air pollution, which in turn leads to many health problems within the population.
Another vital area will be the decrease in overall air quality of the nation. With the increasing population, there is an increase in industry which produces. A study in Delhi, the capital of India showed that has the highest cluster of small-scale industries in India that contribute to 12% of air pollutants along with other industrial units.Vehicular pollution is another important contributor to air pollution in Delhi. According to the Department of Transport, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, vehicular population is estimated at more than 3.4 million, reaching here at a growth rate of 7% per annum. This contributes to two thirds of the pollution in Delhi. (Gupta; Rizwan; Nongkynrih, 2013) Air pollution not only decreases the quality of life of the citizens, but also bring about chronic health problems. Air pollution, on average, is believed to result in 200 deaths each year per 100,000 people. In India, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cardio-vascular diseases and other respiratory diseases are the leading (28% of the total) causes of deaths. Furthermore, air pollution will burden the population with an increase in absenteeism and medical expenses due to respiratory diseases and decrease in work hours and productivity of the citizens as they are affected by illnesses. The impact of air pollution is higher in India's metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Delhi with the fine particles such as SO2 and NO2, this causes 5000 to 15,000 excess deaths per year in Mumbai and about 7,000 to 22,000 excess deaths per year in Delhi. (Jathar, n.d.). As seen from the figure, India has a relatively higher concentration of PM2.5 than USA, despite USA being a fully industralised country, suggesting the extent of air pollution in India. The condition is also seen worse in the cities, where industries and more vehicles are found. Hence it can be seen that overpopulation leads to air pollution, which in turn leads to many health problems within the population.
Not only does overpopulation bring about air pollution, it leads to land pollution. As the population grows, deforestation in India is carried out at a more rapid pace to provide space for agricultural or living purposes, this not only causes soil erosion but also make land barren. This causes less lanf to be arable for agriculture. While in search for more land, potent land is hunted while its indigenous state is compromised with. With the growing human population, the demand for food has also increased. Farmers make use of highly toxic fertilizers and pesticides which will result in contamination and poisoning of soil. With the large population, the amounts of waste produced by households are also increased. This causes excess waste to be present in the city as landfills when they are not incinerated. With the landfills constantly growing, these are home for pests such as rodents and flies, which are transmitter of diseases such as the mosquito borne diseases like Malaria and Dengue fever (Index Mundi, 2013), which is widespread in India. Also, as the waste products at landfills are broken down naturally, this produces harmful gases such as methane, which can lead to respiratory problems. Thus, overpopulation is one of the causes for land pollution, which is not only an environmental challenge, but also causes harm to the human health.
With an increasing population, land is needed to provide the citizens with a place to live and to provide arable land for the expansion of agriculture. To achieve this, deforestation is carried out. This causes the loss of habitats for many animals, which drives many animals to extinction in the process. One such example is the Asian elephants which inhabits mostly in India. A study in 2003 showed that there were only 50,000 individuals left on the planet.(Endangered Animals, 2014) As deforestation occurs, the species are made to move further away or adapt to new regions. Many die in the process of adapting to new environment, driving many species to be endangered or even extinct. Also, although deforestation is supposed to bring about arable land, it lands in a paradoxical situation where there is an increase in desertification, which causes land to be barren. As seen from the figure, the locations where rapid developments are occuring has is usually where the dry land regions are located, suggesting the impact of the growing cities on the overall environment of the nation.
According to Hindustantimes 2013, this affects one-fourth of India. Furthermore, as deforestation happens, tree cover is being compromised. This causes a steep imbalance in the rain cycle which in turn leads to various major concerns such as global warming, the greenhouse effect, flash floods and even irregular rainfall. As a result of overpopulation, it can be seen evidently the impacts it has on the environment as the demand for land increases.
With an increasing population, land is needed to provide the citizens with a place to live and to provide arable land for the expansion of agriculture. To achieve this, deforestation is carried out. This causes the loss of habitats for many animals, which drives many animals to extinction in the process. One such example is the Asian elephants which inhabits mostly in India. A study in 2003 showed that there were only 50,000 individuals left on the planet.(Endangered Animals, 2014) As deforestation occurs, the species are made to move further away or adapt to new regions. Many die in the process of adapting to new environment, driving many species to be endangered or even extinct. Also, although deforestation is supposed to bring about arable land, it lands in a paradoxical situation where there is an increase in desertification, which causes land to be barren. As seen from the figure, the locations where rapid developments are occuring has is usually where the dry land regions are located, suggesting the impact of the growing cities on the overall environment of the nation.
According to Hindustantimes 2013, this affects one-fourth of India. Furthermore, as deforestation happens, tree cover is being compromised. This causes a steep imbalance in the rain cycle which in turn leads to various major concerns such as global warming, the greenhouse effect, flash floods and even irregular rainfall. As a result of overpopulation, it can be seen evidently the impacts it has on the environment as the demand for land increases.
Overpopulation also increases the incidences of hemorrhagic fevers and infectious diseases as a result of overcrowding. Virus tends to spread faster in denser populations, where it enables the deadly mutations to continue infecting people rather than in a smaller population where the virus may be harder to transmit. One example is malaria, where India is ranked the second highest country at risk with 24 million cases a year. (World Health Organization, 2012) As the population density increases with population growth, the virus, in these case the infected mosquito, is more likely to infect more people within a certain limited area since the people are closer together. Hence, the incidence of diseases is increased as a result of overpopulation. The figure below shows the risk of malaria, a common disease widespread in India.
Also, a societal problem caused by over population will be conflict and wars. As the population increases, the need for resources increase, this brings about potential conflict with neighbouring countries as the country tries to look for more alternatives for resources. In the process, this may disadvantage the neighbouring countries, which causes displeasure between the nations.
Here is an example of the conflict caused by overpopulation:
The conflict between Pakistan and India are especially sensitive since both highly-populated, fast growing countries have nuclear weapons. Pakistan's major water source is the glacial waters of the Indus River, which originates in Indian Territory. (How Many. Org, 2010) India and Pakistan are highly sensitive on the issue of water, especially since the Indus River flows through both countries. Any alterations to any part of the river will affect the other party, which often causes displeasure, which leads to conflict between the two nations.
With the growing population, it also leads to high costs of living. The cost of housing tends to increase significantly with the increase in density of the city, similarly for other areas of living. According to the Mercer Cost of Living Survey 2012, Delhi and Mumbai were ranked 113 and 114 out 214 cities analysed, making them both more expensive to live in than other expat destinations such as Ottawa (115), Riyadh (135), Boston (129). It also leads to inflation as the demand for goods increase. As seen from the figure, the inflation rate of India has been mostly between 5-10% which suggests the rapid increased in price of consumer goods. This leads to poverty amongst the citizens as not all is able to afford the prices of living in the cities. This brings about both legal and illegal migration to other countries as the more well-educated citizens would want to seek better standards of living elsewhere. This causes brain drain in the native countries when it already has a limited skill base. India sends the fourth largest number of emigrants to other countries. Another cause of this is the intense competition of jobs in the native country. (The Times of India, 2012) With an increasing number of graduates every year, there is lesser job opportunites, driving citizens to migrate for better job opportunites elsewhere. Poverty is one main issue faced in India, where citizens are unable to meet the basic needs in life. This causes higher infant mortality rates and famine among the citizen, bringing about diet-deficiency diseases in India. Not only does this affect the citizens in India, it also causes a low mortality rate within the citizens, which provides less productivity for the work force.
Here is an example of the conflict caused by overpopulation:
The conflict between Pakistan and India are especially sensitive since both highly-populated, fast growing countries have nuclear weapons. Pakistan's major water source is the glacial waters of the Indus River, which originates in Indian Territory. (How Many. Org, 2010) India and Pakistan are highly sensitive on the issue of water, especially since the Indus River flows through both countries. Any alterations to any part of the river will affect the other party, which often causes displeasure, which leads to conflict between the two nations.
With the growing population, it also leads to high costs of living. The cost of housing tends to increase significantly with the increase in density of the city, similarly for other areas of living. According to the Mercer Cost of Living Survey 2012, Delhi and Mumbai were ranked 113 and 114 out 214 cities analysed, making them both more expensive to live in than other expat destinations such as Ottawa (115), Riyadh (135), Boston (129). It also leads to inflation as the demand for goods increase. As seen from the figure, the inflation rate of India has been mostly between 5-10% which suggests the rapid increased in price of consumer goods. This leads to poverty amongst the citizens as not all is able to afford the prices of living in the cities. This brings about both legal and illegal migration to other countries as the more well-educated citizens would want to seek better standards of living elsewhere. This causes brain drain in the native countries when it already has a limited skill base. India sends the fourth largest number of emigrants to other countries. Another cause of this is the intense competition of jobs in the native country. (The Times of India, 2012) With an increasing number of graduates every year, there is lesser job opportunites, driving citizens to migrate for better job opportunites elsewhere. Poverty is one main issue faced in India, where citizens are unable to meet the basic needs in life. This causes higher infant mortality rates and famine among the citizen, bringing about diet-deficiency diseases in India. Not only does this affect the citizens in India, it also causes a low mortality rate within the citizens, which provides less productivity for the work force.
Measures
However, India’s approach towards promoting family planning has been very weak. Their slogan We two, ours two (“Hum do, hamare do” in Hindi) meaning one family, two children and is intended to reinforce the message of family planning thereby aiding population control. Also, only those with two or fewer children are eligible for election to a Gram panchayat, or the local government. (Wikipedia, 2014) Hopefully in the near future, the Indian government will propose new laws and regulations to curb the issue of overpopulation in India.
Articles on overpopulation in india
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2517637/India-stretched-limit-overpopulation.html
India is stretched to the limit by overpopulation
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/09/25/overpopulation.overview/index.html?eref=rss_tech
Overpopulation could be people, planet problem
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/globalhealth-july-dec11-population_10-19/
India’s Growth Held Back by Overpopulation
India is stretched to the limit by overpopulation
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/09/25/overpopulation.overview/index.html?eref=rss_tech
Overpopulation could be people, planet problem
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/globalhealth-july-dec11-population_10-19/
India’s Growth Held Back by Overpopulation
video links on overpopulaiton in india
http://youtu.be/Mz_kn45qIvI
OVERPOPULATED- BBC Documentary
(Overpopulation on earth as a whole)
http://youtu.be/hCp_uztlrKs
Mumbai: Traffic - Cities on Speed - congestion, over-population, and bureaucracy. India.
http://youtu.be/Vmpe4RuTTmw
Slums of India-BBC Documentary
(Effects of overpopulation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9mJAdO0KsM&feature=youtu.be
Megacities - Mumbai,India - Gate way of India - World's Megacities (National Geographic)
OVERPOPULATED- BBC Documentary
(Overpopulation on earth as a whole)
http://youtu.be/hCp_uztlrKs
Mumbai: Traffic - Cities on Speed - congestion, over-population, and bureaucracy. India.
http://youtu.be/Vmpe4RuTTmw
Slums of India-BBC Documentary
(Effects of overpopulation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9mJAdO0KsM&feature=youtu.be
Megacities - Mumbai,India - Gate way of India - World's Megacities (National Geographic)
“A crowded society is a restrictive society; an overcrowded society becomes an authoritarian, repressive and murderous society.” ― Edward Abbey