Question

(i) "Our resources cannot keep pace with the rising population." Give three examples in support of this statement.
(ii) Suggest any three steps which may be taken towards controlling the rapid rise in human population in India.

Answer 1

(i) Three examples to support the given statement are as follows:

• Food: Population increases geometrically, whereas production of food increases arithmetically. Thus, food supply will be running short if the rapid increase in population is not checked.
• Forests: Forests provide us timber, medicines, firewood, resins, dyes, pulps and other useful things. Indiscriminate deforestation for getting more land for agricultural or housing purposes is causing serious environmental degradations like soil erosion, floods, landslides and droughts.
• Water: In India, the scarcity of water is a frightening reality in some places. This fear will only turn worse with the increase in population.

(ii) Following are the steps that can be taken towards controlling the rapid rise in human population in India:

• Education: People, especially those in the reproductive age group, should be educated about the advantages of a small family.
• Marriageable age: Raising the age of marriage for boys and girls is an effective means to control population.
• Incentives: Couples with small families should be provided incentives.