Friday, July 29, 2011

Overpopulation in India

Here are the numbers from wiki as of today

Country, Population(millions), Area(million sq. km), Density(persons/sq. km)
1) China, 1339, 9.59, 139.6
2) India, 1210, 3.28, 368.9
3) USA, 311, 9.62, 32.3
4) Russia, 142, 17.09, 8.3

The numbers speak for themselves. India is in serious trouble due to its over population problem. No one likes to talk about it. In fact there are arguments against talking about it because it intrudes into personal freedoms. Some say, being a tropical country we can produce enough food throughout the year to feed the people. Most of the population growth is among the illiterate population. Politicians want this for their vote banks. Unless India as a country wakes up and takes this problem seriously, there will be major food and water problems within one or two decades. There is study stating that Himalayan rivers might slow down due to global warming. If this really happens the major population belt in the Gangetic plain will have to endure great suffering. With the underground water table receding, other areas on the plateau and in the south will suffer too. I am really saddened at this prospect. I hope the intellectuals will raise alarm and try to put a plan in action to avert the major suffering predicted.