Human Population Growth &

its effects on the Environment

Dr. Pramod Kumar
Associate Professor,
Department of Science and Humanities,
Poornima university Jaipur Rajasthan
 Population
• Population refers to a group of individuals of a
particular species occupying a particular area at a specific time.

• The whole number of people or inhabitants in a country or

region, constitutes its population.

• Demography- Thescientific andstatistical study of

human
population.

• Census- Process of recording or counting the

number of
individuals living in a country at a given time.
 Characteristic features of Human
Population

• Population Density- size of a population per unit area at a

given time
• Natality- increase in the number of individuals
(Birth) per unit time

• Mortality- loss of individuals (death) per unit time

• Age distribution- individuals of various age
• Sex ratio- number of females per thousand males
 Population Growth
• Determined by the difference in the natality and the mortality
in a particular time.

• Population growth rate = the percentincrease in the

population.

• Population growth forms- graphical presentation of the

distribution of the growth of the population over time and
geographical regions.

• J- shaped and S- shaped growth forms

 Population growth forms
J- shaped growth form-
• Exponential growth (increase in a fixed proportion of its own

size at any time).

• Population grows rapidly & after attaining peak, it crashes

due to limited resources.
S- shaped or sigmoid growth form-
• Gradual increase followed by an exponential growth leading to
gradual stability.

• Abundant resources and absence of limiting factors

 Population growth forms

Carrying capacity- Maximum population size that can be

supported by the environment with proper resources.
Population of India surpassing China
Problem of population Growth
• Overpopulation is an undesirable condition where the
number of the existing human population exceeds the actual
carrying capacity of Earth.

• Overpopulation is caused by a number of factors.

– Low mortality

– Better medical facilities

– Immigration

– Lack of family planning

 Problem of population Growth
(Effects)
1. Depletion of Natural Resources- The Earth can only
produce a limited amount of water and food, which is
falling short of the current needs. It includes cutting down
forests, hunting wildlife in a reckless manner, causing
pollution, and leading to other problems.
2. Degradation of Environment- The exponential rise in the
number of vehicles and industries has badly affected the
quality of air. The rise in the amount of CO2 emissions leads to
global warming.
3. Conflicts and Wars- Conflicts over water are becoming a
source of tension across the borders, which could result in
wars.

4. Rise in Unemployment- When a country becomes

overpopulated, it gives rise to unemployment as there are
fewer jobs to support a large number of people.

5. High Cost of Living- As the difference between demand

and supply continues to expand due to overpopulation, it
raises the prices of various essential commodities, including
food, shelter, and healthcare.
6. Pandemics and Epidemics- High densities of population
increase the chance of the emergence of new pandemics and
epidemics.
7. Malnutrition, Starvation and Famine- When the availability
of resources is scarce, starvation, malnutrition, along with
ill health and diseases caused by diet-deficiency.
8. Faster Climate Change- Roughly 1% of the world’s water is
fresh and accessible. Overpopulation is a major issue that
creates immense pressure on the world’s freshwater
supplies.
 9. Increased Intensive Farming- With the growth of
population over the years, farming practices have evolved to
produce enough food required to feed a larger number of
people. However, this intensive farming methods cause
damage to local ecosystems and the land that may pose
problems in the future.
10. Extinction- The impact of overpopulation on the world’s
wildlife is severe. As demand for land grows, the
destruction of natural habitats, such as forests, becomes
common.
 Poverty and Environment
• The inter-relationship between poverty and environmental
damage is complex and is heavily influenced by a range of social,
economic, cultural, physical and behavioral factors.
 Population Explosion
• The sudden and dramatic increase in the number of human
beings over a short period of time.

• The major factors that are responsible for population

explosion are illiteracy, reduced mortality, increased birth
rate, and an increase in life expectancy.
• Major Effects of Population
Explosion are unemployment
and poverty
 Family Welfare Programme
• Family welfare includes not only planning of birth, but they
welfare of wholes family by means of total family health care.
• FWP mainly includes: Family planning information,
counseling and services to women for healthy reproduction,
education about safe delivery and post-delivery treatment of the
mother and the baby and the treatment of women before
pregnancy, health care for infants’ immunization against
preventable diseases.
 Family Welfare Programme in
India
• Started in 1952 National Family Planning Programme
• Objective- To ensure adequate, qualitative, preventive &
curative health care to people of the State
• The minimum legal age for marriage was raised from 18 to 21
(male) & 15 to 18 (female)- 1978

• Target of zero population growth

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the government
unit responsible for formulating and executing family
planning in India.
 Resettlement and Rehabilitation of
the Project Affected Persons; Case
Studies
Resettlement and Rehabilitation
⮚ People are forced to move out of their land due to both natural
and manmade disasters. Natural disasters like earthquakes,
cyclones, tsunami etc. render thousands of people homeless
and sometime even force them to move and resettle in other
areas.
⮚ Similarly, developmental projects like construction of roads,
dams, canals and flyovers displace people from their homes.
Leakage of nuclear material in Japan resulted in millions of
people being forced to leave the area for their safety. Thus,
resettlement refers to the process of settling again in a new
area. Rehabilitation means restoration to the former state.
Reasons for displacement of people
The various causes for displacement of people are as follows:
⮚ Natural disasters like earthquake, cyclones, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions,
prolonged droughts conditions, floods, hurricanes etc.
⮚ Man made disasters like industrial accidents (e.g. Bhopal gas tragedy),
nuclear accidents (Chernobyl; Japan), oil spills (Exxon Valdez oil spill), toxic
contamination of sites etc.
⮚ In search of better employment opportunities.
⮚ Developmental projects like Construction of dams, irrigation canals,
reservoirs, etc.
⮚ Infrastructural projects including transportation activities like flyovers,
bridges, roads, highways, canals, etc.
⮚ Energy related project like power plants, oil exploration, mining activities,
Pipe lines like HBJ pipeline etc.
⮚ Agricultural projects
Projects related with the conservation of wildlife like national parks, sanctuaries
and biosphere reserves
Some of the issues regarding
Resettlement
As per the World Bank, more than lakh people are displaced worldwide for a variety
of reasons every year. Some of the issues faced by the people being resettled are:
⮚ Little or no support: Displacement mainly hits tribal and rural people who
usually do not figure in the priority list of any political authorities or parties. This
may lead people to take things in their own hands, for example the Maoists that
are to be seen in a number of Indian states today.

⮚ Meagre compensation: The compensation for the land lost is often not paid,
is delayed or even if paid, is too small both in monetary terms and social
changes forced on them by these mega developmental projects.

⮚ Loss of livelihood: Displacement is not a simple incident in the lives of the

displaced people. They have to leave their ancestral land and forests on which
they depend for their livelihood. Many of them have no skills to take up another
activity or pick up any other occupation. Usually, the new land that is offered to
them is of poor quality and the refugees are unable to make a living.
⮚ Lack of facilities: When people are resettled in a new area, basic infrastructure
and amenities are not provided in that area. Very often, temporary camps
become permanent settlements. It is also a major problem of displacement or
resettlement that people have to face.
⮚ Increase in stress: Resettlement disrupts the entire life of the people. They
are unable to bear the shocks of emptiness and purposelessness created in
their life.
Increase in health problems: Lack of nutrition due to the loss of agriculture
and forest based livelihood, leads to the general decline in the health of the
people. People are used to traditional home remedies. But the herbal remedies
and plants get submerged/destroyed due to the developmental projects.
⮚ Secondary displacement: Occupational groups residing outside the
submergence area but depending on the area for the livelihood also experience
unemployment. Village artisans, petty traders, labourers, etc, lose their living.

⮚ Loss of identity: Tribal life is community based. The tribals are simple people
who have a lifestyle of their own. Displacement has a negative impact on their
livelihood, culture and spiritual existence in the following ways:

a) Break up of families and communities are the important social issues of

displacement. The women suffer the most as they are deprived even a little
compensation.
b) Inter-community marriages, cultural functions, folk songs and dances do not
take place among the displaced people. When they are resettled, it is generally
individual based resettlement, which ignores communal character.

c) Resettlement increases the poverty of the tribal due to the loss of land,
livelihood, food insecurity, jobs, skills etc.
Planning is required for resettlement

If it is determined that a project will involve involuntary

resettlement, the World Bank requires preparation and
implementation of a plan to improve, or at least to restore,
incomes and living standards of those affected. However,
planning requirements vary according to the extent and
severity of impacts. If resettlement involves preparation of
new residential sites, requires some of those affected to shift
to alternative forms of livelihood, or otherwise affects more
than 200 people, a full Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is
required. Otherwise, a simplified plan is acceptable for
projects with relatively minor impacts.
 Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation means helping people restore their lives, livelihood, and dignity after
they have been displaced or affected by a disaster, development project, or conflict. It
includes resettlement, rebuilding, livelihood support, psychological, and social
recovery.
Causes of Rehabilitation
1. Natural Disasters
o Floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and landslides often displace people from their homes.
o Example: Rehabilitation of people after floods in Assam or the Kerala floods (2018).
2. Development Projects
o Construction of dams, highways, mines, industries, or urban expansion leads to
displacement of local populations.
o Example: People displaced due to Sardar Sarovar Dam (Narmada project).
3. Man-made Disasters
o Industrial accidents (e.g., Bhopal Gas Tragedy), wars, or communal conflicts force people to
relocate.
4. Environmental Degradation
o Deforestation, soil erosion, or desertification reduce livable land and resources, forcing
migration.
Effect of Rehabilitation

Positive Effects
•Improved infrastructure: New housing, schools, and health centers.
•Economic opportunities: New livelihood programs and training.
•Social stability: Helps communities regain normal life and self-reliance.
•Environmental management: Planned resettlement can include green zones,
sanitation, and clean water.
Negative Effects
•Loss of livelihood: Many lose agricultural land or traditional jobs.
•Cultural disruption: People lose their social ties and traditional lifestyles.
•Psychological stress: Displacement causes trauma, insecurity, and identity loss.
•Inadequate compensation: Often, monetary or land compensation is delayed or
insufficient.
•Environmental pressure: New settlements can stress local resources and
ecosystems.
Government and Legal Framework (India)
∙ National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy (NRRP), 2007
∙ Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition,
Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act)
∙ NDMA Guidelines for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Disaster:
A disaster is a sudden or unexpected event that causes significant damage, loss
of life, or disruption to a community, requiring external assistance to cope.
Various Types of Disasters:
EARTHQUAKES
Definition:
Earthquake can be defined as the sudden shaking of the earth crust. It is one of
the most destructive natural hazards. They may occur at any time of the year,
day or night, with sudden impact and little warning.
Cause of Earthquake:
The earth’s crust is a rocky layer of varying thickness ranging from a depth of
about 10 kilometres under the sea to 65 kilometres under the continents. The
crust is not one piece but consists of portions called ‘plates’ which vary in size
from a few hundred to thousands of kilometres. The ‘theory of plate tectonics’
holds that the plates ride up on the more mobile mantle, and are driven by some
yet unconfirmed mechanisms, perhaps thermal convection currents. When these
plates contact each other, stress arises in the crust
 Cause of Earthquake

Tectonic Movements
•Most common cause of earthquakes.
•The Earth's crust is made of several
plates (tectonic plates) that float on the
molten mantle.
•When these plates collide, slide past,
or move apart, stress builds up and is
released as seismic waves.
•Types:
• Convergent boundary: Plates
collide (e.g., Himalayas region
– destructive earthquakes).
• Divergent boundary: Plates
move apart (e.g., Mid-Atlantic
Ridge).
• Transform boundary: Plates
slide past each other (e.g., San
Andreas Fault, USA).
Earthquakes can be of three types based on the focal depth:

(i)Deep:- 300 to 700 kms from the earth surface

(ii)Medium:- 60 to 300 kms
(iii)Shallow: less than 60 kms

⮚The deep focus earthquakes are rarely destructive because by the time
the waves reach the surface the impact reduces. Shallow focus
earthquakes are more common and are extremely damaging because of
their proximity to the surface.
Earthquake Disaster Management
Earthquake disaster management involves preparedness, mitigation,
response, and recovery measures to reduce loss of life, property, and
infrastructure damage during and after an earthquake.
Earthquake-Resistant Construction
•Follow building codes (IS 1893, IS 4326 – India).
•Use flexible materials and base isolation techniques in design.
•Avoid construction on soft soil or near fault zones.
c) Public Awareness and Education
•Conduct drills, mock exercises, and awareness campaigns.
•Teach people what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
d) Early Warning and Communication Systems
•Develop seismic monitoring and alert systems.
•Use mobile alerts, sirens, and broadcasting networks to inform people
quickly.
e) Emergency Preparedness
•Prepare disaster management plans at community, district, and national levels.
•Stockpile emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kits, flashlights, etc.
•Train rescue teams (NDRF, SDRF, Civil Defence).
Flood
A flood is an overflow of water onto land that is usually dry.
It occurs when water from heavy rainfall, rivers, lakes, or oceans exceeds
their capacity and inundates surrounding areas.

Causes of Floods
1. Heavy Rainfall: Continuous or intense rain causes rivers to overflow.
2. Poor Drainage System: Blocked or insufficient drainage increases urban
flooding.
3. Melting of Snow or Glaciers: Sudden melting increases river flow.
4. Dam Failure: Collapse or overflow of dams leads to flash floods.
5. Deforestation: Reduces water absorption by soil, increasing runoff.
6. Climate Change: Increases the frequency of extreme rainfall events.
7. Urbanization: Concretization of land prevents natural water infiltration.
Effects of Floods
On Humans:
• Loss of life and property
• Displacement of people and homelessness
• Outbreak of waterborne diseases (cholera, dysentery)
• Damage to infrastructure (roads, bridges, electricity)
On Environment:
• Soil erosion and loss of fertility
• Contamination of water bodies
• Destruction of wildlife habitats and crops
On Economy:
• Heavy losses in agriculture, industry, and trade
• High cost of relief and rehabilitation operations
Flood Disaster Management
1. Mitigation (Before the Flood)
•Construction of dams, levees, and embankments to control water flow.
•Afforestation and watershed management to reduce runoff.
•Rainwater harvesting and improvement of drainage systems.
•Zoning laws to prevent settlement in flood-prone areas.
2. Preparedness
•Flood forecasting and early warning systems (IMD, CWC).
•Community awareness and mock drills.
•Stockpiling of relief materials (food, medicine, boats).
3. Response (During the Flood)
•Evacuation of people from affected areas.
Cyclone
A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center
of low atmospheric pressure. In India, they are common along the Bay
of Bengal and Arabian Sea coasts.

Causes of Cyclones Warm ocean water (above 26°C) provides energy

for cyclone formation. Evaporation and condensation release latent
heat, intensifying the storm. Coriolis force (Earth’s rotation) causes the
air to spin and form a circular system. Low-pressure area draws in moist
air, leading to strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Impact Type Examples
Human Loss of life, injuries, displacement

Damage to infrastructure, agriculture,

Economic
fisheries

Coastal erosion, flooding, destruction

Environmental
of vegetation

Spread of diseases, loss of livelihood,

Social
migration
•Monitoring and Early Warning:
•IMD (India Meteorological Department) tracks cyclones using satellites
and radars.
•Alerts are issued through TV, radio, SMS, and apps.
•Planning and Preparedness:
•Prepare Cyclone Management Plans for coastal areas.
•Evacuation routes and shelters identified.
•Training and mock drills for communities.
•Structural Measures:
•Construct cyclone shelters, embankments, and wind-resistant
buildings.
•Mangrove plantation along coasts to reduce wind and wave energy.
Landslide

A landslide is a natural mass movement of rock, soil, and debris down a

slope under the influence of gravity.
It is one of the most common and destructive geo-hazards in hilly and
mountainous regions, often triggered by natural factors like rainfall,
earthquakes, and human activities such as deforestation and construction.
Causes of Landslides

Natural Causes
[Link] Rainfall:
1. Excessive rainfall increases pore water pressure in soil, reducing
cohesion and leading to slope failure.
2. Common during monsoons in Himalayan and Western Ghats regions.
[Link]:
1. Seismic activity shakes the ground and destabilizes slopes, triggering
landslides.
2. Example: 2015 Nepal earthquake-induced landslides in Uttarakhand.
[Link] Eruptions:
1. Volcanic materials and ash flows can loosen slopes, causing debris
flow.
[Link] and Erosion:
1. Continuous weathering weakens rocks; river or wave erosion removes
slope support.
[Link] or Floods:
1. Rapid melting or flooding saturates soil, leading to slope failure.
 Human-Induced Causes
[Link]:
1. Removal of vegetation reduces root binding and slope stability.
[Link] Construction:
1. Road cutting, tunneling, and building on unstable slopes disturb natural
balance.
[Link] and Quarrying:
1. Blasting and excavation activities loosen rocks and soil layers.
[Link] Drainage Systems:
1. Accumulation of water increases slope saturation and landslide risk.
[Link] and Agriculture:
1. Disturbs topsoil and increases erosion rate.
Landslide Management
Landslide management involves prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and
response strategies.

•Land Use Planning:

•Avoid construction and road building on steep and unstable slopes.
•Identify and restrict development in landslide-prone zones.
•Slope Stabilization:
•Engineering solutions such as retaining walls, rock bolts, and terracing.
•Afforestation to increase soil binding capacity.
•Drainage Control:
•Proper surface and subsurface drainage to prevent water accumulation.
•Construction of diversion channels and culverts.
•Afforestation and Vegetation Cover:
•Planting deep-rooted vegetation to reduce erosion and improve slope strength.
•Early Warning Systems:
•Installation of sensors and rainfall gauges to detect slope movement.
•Real-time monitoring by agencies like GSI and NDMA.
•Awareness and Training:
•Community education programs on recognizing landslide signs and safe
evacuation.