Title: Population eco-system and the environment: an Indian scenario.
Abstract: India is characterized by 6 major geographic regions each of which has a different capacity to provide food for its population. They range from the northern mountain regions to the hot and cold deserts. Further the climate of almost 85% of the land (270.5 million hectares) is suitable for agriculture. According to FAO estimates based on low level of inputs in 1975 Indias lands could not support 19% of its population. But if India could efficiently develop its irrigation potential it could support a population density of 3.24 people/ hectare in 2000. Indeed its population has been estimated to reach 1036.7 million (population density=3.23/hectare) in 2000 so in theory. India could support its population. Yet India has many environmental problems especially the discharge of industrial and human wastes into water. These problems emerge either from poverty and underdevelopment or negative effects of development. The 7th Plan states that environmental factors should be incorporated into the design of all developmental projects. Further 3 major environmental laws call for protection of the environment in India but political will is missing and the laws are not enforced. The population and pollution of the environment are growing substantially in India combined with urbanization resulting in unprecedented deterioration of the environment especially deforestation. Moreover slums and squatter settlements make up 40-60% of the urban population. It is here where very infectious human wastes accumulate since the soil cannot absorb or drain them. This leads to high morbidity and mortality. In conclusion more scientific research examining the relationship between the present and future populations and the environment is needed.
Publication Year: 1990
Publication Date: 1990-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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