4. Population

Population Explosion in India

• Definition: Rapid increase in population.
• Reasons:
  • High Birth Rate: Early marriage, lack of family planning awareness, preference for male children.
  • Low Death Rate: Advancements in medical science, better sanitation, epidemic control.
  • Poverty and Illiteracy: Often leads to larger family sizes.

Key Demographic Terms

• Demography: Statistical study of human populations.
• Population Density: Individuals per unit area.
• Birth Rate (Natality): Live births per thousand people per year.
• Death Rate (Mortality): Deaths per thousand people per year.
• Growth Rate of Population: Rate of increase/decrease due to natural change and migration.

Problems Due to Population Explosion

• Unemployment: Pressure on job market.
• Over-exploitation of Natural Resources: Depletion and degradation.
• Low Per Capita Income: National income divided among more people.
• Price Rise (Inflation): High demand for goods/services.
• Pollution: More waste and environmental degradation.
• Unequal Distribution of Wealth: Exacerbates existing inequalities.

Population Control Measures

• Artificially altering the rate of human population growth.

Surgical Methods (Permanent Contraception)

• Vasectomy (Male Sterilization):
  • Procedure: Vas deferens cut/sealed.
  • Effect: Prevents sperm release during ejaculation.
  • Reversibility: Possible, but not guaranteed.
• Tubectomy (Female Sterilization):
  • Procedure: Fallopian tubes blocked/sealed.
  • Effect: Prevents egg from reaching uterus/fertilization.
  • Reversibility: Difficult.