Population Explosion and Environmental Degradation in India.

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between population growth and environmental degradation in India. The relationship between population growth, resource depletion and environmental degradation has been a matter of debate for decades. The argument has been between those who view population growth is the main culprit in increasing pressure on the environment and those who place more blame on economic development, non-sustainable agricultural and industrial practices, and excessive and wasteful consumption. Decades of economic expansion and population growth have degraded its land, air, and water. The present paper examines the relationship between people and the environment and with growing population, urbanization and the environment which is being degraded. The environmental effects of groundwater and surface water contamination; air pollution and global warming are of growing concern owing to increasing consumption levels. The study entirely relays on secondary data, collected from articles, books, news reports and websites of the concerned department. The paper concludes with some policy reflections, the policy aimed at overall development should certainly include efforts to control population and environmental pollution.