Demographics | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Demographics
A detailed study of demographics of the state with underlying issues has been
discussed below.
Population, Population Density and Growth Rate
Uttarakhand has a population of 1,00,86,292 inhabitants as per the 2011
census, which accounts for 0.83 percent of total population of the country
while its area is 1.69% of the total area of the country. The population of
Garhwal region is 5,87,294 accounting for 59.08% of the total state
population while that of Kumaun is 4,22,998 accounting for 40.92% of the
total population of the state. The state had a growth rate of 18.80% over the
last census in 2001. The male to female ratio is 1000: 963. The population
density is 189 per sq. km. The literacy rate of Uttarakhand is 78.82%.
Following table provides detail of some important facts about demography of
the state:
Measure 2001 2011
Population 84,89,349 1,00,86,292
Male 43,25,924 51,37,519
Female 41,63,425 49,48,519
Sex ratio 962 963
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) 908 890
Literacy 71.6% 78.82%
Male Literacy 83.3% 87.4%
Female Literacy 59.6% 70.0%
Population Density 159 189
Urban Population 25.67% 30.23%
Rural Population 74.33% 69.77%
In mountainous region like the Himalaya, topography and climate exert more
Page 2


Demographics
A detailed study of demographics of the state with underlying issues has been
discussed below.
Population, Population Density and Growth Rate
Uttarakhand has a population of 1,00,86,292 inhabitants as per the 2011
census, which accounts for 0.83 percent of total population of the country
while its area is 1.69% of the total area of the country. The population of
Garhwal region is 5,87,294 accounting for 59.08% of the total state
population while that of Kumaun is 4,22,998 accounting for 40.92% of the
total population of the state. The state had a growth rate of 18.80% over the
last census in 2001. The male to female ratio is 1000: 963. The population
density is 189 per sq. km. The literacy rate of Uttarakhand is 78.82%.
Following table provides detail of some important facts about demography of
the state:
Measure 2001 2011
Population 84,89,349 1,00,86,292
Male 43,25,924 51,37,519
Female 41,63,425 49,48,519
Sex ratio 962 963
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) 908 890
Literacy 71.6% 78.82%
Male Literacy 83.3% 87.4%
Female Literacy 59.6% 70.0%
Population Density 159 189
Urban Population 25.67% 30.23%
Rural Population 74.33% 69.77%
In mountainous region like the Himalaya, topography and climate exert more
influence on the distribution of population than any other factor. Maximum
concentration of population is found along Tarai-Bhabar belt followed by
lower parts of Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi, Kali and
other river valleys. In the Himadri, the population is only confined to the
valleys (Himadri valleys), particularly along the more open ones with better
aspects and terrain.
The hilly tracts having high percentage of talaon and upraon land have
densities in the range 150-200 persons per sq km. The density is also high in
the Sor valley covering almost the whole tehsil of Pithoragarh. The wide
valleys and extensive rivers terraces in Chham-Tehri and Kirtinagar-Srinagar
areas with sufficient irrigation facilities ena bling as many as three crops to
be grown carry 150-200 persons per sq km. uncontiguosly in the blocks of
Pratapnagar, Jakhnidhar, Pauri, and Kajlikhal of Garhwal and Tarikhet,
Hawalbagh, Bin and Munakot of Kumaon. In the zone of high density, the
percentage of cultivated area is above 12.5 and in that of highest density, it is
above 25.
The most conspicuous feature of the population map is that about half of
the area of Joshimath and Bhatwari blocks in Garhwal and Munsiyari and
Garbyang blocks in Kumaun carry no population as they remain covered with
snow for the major part of the year. Adjoining this area lies the next zone
between 2400-3600m which has very low density of less than 10 persons per
sq. km. Here the percentage of cultivated area is low and only one crop grows
in a year.
Table 14.1: Population of Districts in Descending order
District Population Male Population Female Population
Haridwar 18,90,422 10,05,295 8,85,127
Dehradun 16,96,694 8,92,199 8,04,495
Udham Singh Nagar 16,48,902 8,58,783 7,90,119
Nainital 9,54,606 4,93,666 4,60,939
Pauri Garhwal 6,87,271 3,26,829 3,60,442
Almora 6,22,506 2,91,081 3,31,425
Tehri Garhwal 6,18,931 2,97,986 3,20,945
Page 3


Demographics
A detailed study of demographics of the state with underlying issues has been
discussed below.
Population, Population Density and Growth Rate
Uttarakhand has a population of 1,00,86,292 inhabitants as per the 2011
census, which accounts for 0.83 percent of total population of the country
while its area is 1.69% of the total area of the country. The population of
Garhwal region is 5,87,294 accounting for 59.08% of the total state
population while that of Kumaun is 4,22,998 accounting for 40.92% of the
total population of the state. The state had a growth rate of 18.80% over the
last census in 2001. The male to female ratio is 1000: 963. The population
density is 189 per sq. km. The literacy rate of Uttarakhand is 78.82%.
Following table provides detail of some important facts about demography of
the state:
Measure 2001 2011
Population 84,89,349 1,00,86,292
Male 43,25,924 51,37,519
Female 41,63,425 49,48,519
Sex ratio 962 963
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) 908 890
Literacy 71.6% 78.82%
Male Literacy 83.3% 87.4%
Female Literacy 59.6% 70.0%
Population Density 159 189
Urban Population 25.67% 30.23%
Rural Population 74.33% 69.77%
In mountainous region like the Himalaya, topography and climate exert more
influence on the distribution of population than any other factor. Maximum
concentration of population is found along Tarai-Bhabar belt followed by
lower parts of Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi, Kali and
other river valleys. In the Himadri, the population is only confined to the
valleys (Himadri valleys), particularly along the more open ones with better
aspects and terrain.
The hilly tracts having high percentage of talaon and upraon land have
densities in the range 150-200 persons per sq km. The density is also high in
the Sor valley covering almost the whole tehsil of Pithoragarh. The wide
valleys and extensive rivers terraces in Chham-Tehri and Kirtinagar-Srinagar
areas with sufficient irrigation facilities ena bling as many as three crops to
be grown carry 150-200 persons per sq km. uncontiguosly in the blocks of
Pratapnagar, Jakhnidhar, Pauri, and Kajlikhal of Garhwal and Tarikhet,
Hawalbagh, Bin and Munakot of Kumaon. In the zone of high density, the
percentage of cultivated area is above 12.5 and in that of highest density, it is
above 25.
The most conspicuous feature of the population map is that about half of
the area of Joshimath and Bhatwari blocks in Garhwal and Munsiyari and
Garbyang blocks in Kumaun carry no population as they remain covered with
snow for the major part of the year. Adjoining this area lies the next zone
between 2400-3600m which has very low density of less than 10 persons per
sq. km. Here the percentage of cultivated area is low and only one crop grows
in a year.
Table 14.1: Population of Districts in Descending order
District Population Male Population Female Population
Haridwar 18,90,422 10,05,295 8,85,127
Dehradun 16,96,694 8,92,199 8,04,495
Udham Singh Nagar 16,48,902 8,58,783 7,90,119
Nainital 9,54,606 4,93,666 4,60,939
Pauri Garhwal 6,87,271 3,26,829 3,60,442
Almora 6,22,506 2,91,081 3,31,425
Tehri Garhwal 6,18,931 2,97,986 3,20,945
Pithoragarh 4,83,439 2,39,306 2,44,133
Chamoli 3,91,605 1,93,991 1,97,614
Uttarkashi 3,30,086 1,68,597 1,61,489
Bageshwar 2,59,898 1,24,326 1,35,527
Champawat 2,59,648 1,31,125 1,28,523
Rudraprayag 2,42,285 1,14,589 1,27,696
Total 1,00,86,292 51,37,773 49,48,519
The Siwaliks, a major part of duns, and the foothills of the Himalaya are
covered with dense forests where the density of population was very low. The
forest clearing in this zone post independence has led to increase in
population in the region.
Population- In terms of absolute population it is clear from the above table
district of Haridwar has highest population followed by Dehradun, Udham
Singh Nagar and Nainital. Haridwar district has highest population and
accounts for 19.07% population of the State, and Rudraprayag accounting for
2.44% population of the State has least population. More than half of the
population (52.81%) lives in three districts of the plains namely Udham
Singh Nagar, Dehradun and Haridwar.High population in these districts is
because of their topography and climatic factors. A larger part of these
districts including Haldwani and Ramnagar tehsils of Nainital fall in Tarai,
Bhabar or Doab region. Fertile land with good irrigation facilities, allow three
crops a year. Further, industrialization in these districts with establishment of
industrial units at Pantnagar, Sitarganj, Kashipur, Haridwar, Selaqui etc. has
also supported large population. Influx of huge population from hilly areas,
setting up of state capital at Dehradun also leads to large population in these
districts.On the other hand districts of Rudraprayag, Champawat, Bageshwar
and Uttarkashi has low population. In first three districts their lower size in
therms of area is an important factor. Other factors including difficult hilly
terrain, inhospitable climate, large area under forest cover, lack of fertile land
and irrigation facilities also lead to low population. These districts have also
seen high rate of outmigration. District of Uttarkashi despite having largest
area has low population mainly due to high mountainous terrain, large area
under perennial snow cover and inhospitable climate.
Page 4


Demographics
A detailed study of demographics of the state with underlying issues has been
discussed below.
Population, Population Density and Growth Rate
Uttarakhand has a population of 1,00,86,292 inhabitants as per the 2011
census, which accounts for 0.83 percent of total population of the country
while its area is 1.69% of the total area of the country. The population of
Garhwal region is 5,87,294 accounting for 59.08% of the total state
population while that of Kumaun is 4,22,998 accounting for 40.92% of the
total population of the state. The state had a growth rate of 18.80% over the
last census in 2001. The male to female ratio is 1000: 963. The population
density is 189 per sq. km. The literacy rate of Uttarakhand is 78.82%.
Following table provides detail of some important facts about demography of
the state:
Measure 2001 2011
Population 84,89,349 1,00,86,292
Male 43,25,924 51,37,519
Female 41,63,425 49,48,519
Sex ratio 962 963
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) 908 890
Literacy 71.6% 78.82%
Male Literacy 83.3% 87.4%
Female Literacy 59.6% 70.0%
Population Density 159 189
Urban Population 25.67% 30.23%
Rural Population 74.33% 69.77%
In mountainous region like the Himalaya, topography and climate exert more
influence on the distribution of population than any other factor. Maximum
concentration of population is found along Tarai-Bhabar belt followed by
lower parts of Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi, Kali and
other river valleys. In the Himadri, the population is only confined to the
valleys (Himadri valleys), particularly along the more open ones with better
aspects and terrain.
The hilly tracts having high percentage of talaon and upraon land have
densities in the range 150-200 persons per sq km. The density is also high in
the Sor valley covering almost the whole tehsil of Pithoragarh. The wide
valleys and extensive rivers terraces in Chham-Tehri and Kirtinagar-Srinagar
areas with sufficient irrigation facilities ena bling as many as three crops to
be grown carry 150-200 persons per sq km. uncontiguosly in the blocks of
Pratapnagar, Jakhnidhar, Pauri, and Kajlikhal of Garhwal and Tarikhet,
Hawalbagh, Bin and Munakot of Kumaon. In the zone of high density, the
percentage of cultivated area is above 12.5 and in that of highest density, it is
above 25.
The most conspicuous feature of the population map is that about half of
the area of Joshimath and Bhatwari blocks in Garhwal and Munsiyari and
Garbyang blocks in Kumaun carry no population as they remain covered with
snow for the major part of the year. Adjoining this area lies the next zone
between 2400-3600m which has very low density of less than 10 persons per
sq. km. Here the percentage of cultivated area is low and only one crop grows
in a year.
Table 14.1: Population of Districts in Descending order
District Population Male Population Female Population
Haridwar 18,90,422 10,05,295 8,85,127
Dehradun 16,96,694 8,92,199 8,04,495
Udham Singh Nagar 16,48,902 8,58,783 7,90,119
Nainital 9,54,606 4,93,666 4,60,939
Pauri Garhwal 6,87,271 3,26,829 3,60,442
Almora 6,22,506 2,91,081 3,31,425
Tehri Garhwal 6,18,931 2,97,986 3,20,945
Pithoragarh 4,83,439 2,39,306 2,44,133
Chamoli 3,91,605 1,93,991 1,97,614
Uttarkashi 3,30,086 1,68,597 1,61,489
Bageshwar 2,59,898 1,24,326 1,35,527
Champawat 2,59,648 1,31,125 1,28,523
Rudraprayag 2,42,285 1,14,589 1,27,696
Total 1,00,86,292 51,37,773 49,48,519
The Siwaliks, a major part of duns, and the foothills of the Himalaya are
covered with dense forests where the density of population was very low. The
forest clearing in this zone post independence has led to increase in
population in the region.
Population- In terms of absolute population it is clear from the above table
district of Haridwar has highest population followed by Dehradun, Udham
Singh Nagar and Nainital. Haridwar district has highest population and
accounts for 19.07% population of the State, and Rudraprayag accounting for
2.44% population of the State has least population. More than half of the
population (52.81%) lives in three districts of the plains namely Udham
Singh Nagar, Dehradun and Haridwar.High population in these districts is
because of their topography and climatic factors. A larger part of these
districts including Haldwani and Ramnagar tehsils of Nainital fall in Tarai,
Bhabar or Doab region. Fertile land with good irrigation facilities, allow three
crops a year. Further, industrialization in these districts with establishment of
industrial units at Pantnagar, Sitarganj, Kashipur, Haridwar, Selaqui etc. has
also supported large population. Influx of huge population from hilly areas,
setting up of state capital at Dehradun also leads to large population in these
districts.On the other hand districts of Rudraprayag, Champawat, Bageshwar
and Uttarkashi has low population. In first three districts their lower size in
therms of area is an important factor. Other factors including difficult hilly
terrain, inhospitable climate, large area under forest cover, lack of fertile land
and irrigation facilities also lead to low population. These districts have also
seen high rate of outmigration. District of Uttarkashi despite having largest
area has low population mainly due to high mountainous terrain, large area
under perennial snow cover and inhospitable climate.
Population Density- Population density is defined as the number of people
per hundred square km of the land area. Uttarakhand has a population density
of 189 which is much lower than that of national average of 382. Further the
density has increased from 159 in 2001 to 189 a jump of 30 points. In this too
districts falling in plains, tarai, bhabar account for the high population
density. Haridwar with 817 is most densely populated district of the state.
High density in these districts is due to availability of irrigated agricultural
land, favourable topography and climate, higher industrialization, better
transport facilities and influx of large population from the hilly areas. The
lowest density is in the district of Uttarkashi followed by Chamoli and
Pithoragarh. Along with border areas these districts have lower availability of
agricultural land, inhospitable topography and climate and large areas
remains covered with snow all year around.
Growth Rate- Growth rate of population declined from 19.20% in 2001 to
18.80% in 2011. Growth rate is more than that of national average of 17.64%.
This can be explained on the basis of Uttarakhand being a state where
population transition is yet to arrive in its mature phase and also lower base
effect of population. Four districts of Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun,
Haridwar and Nainital registered highest growth in their population. At the
same time two districts ie. Almora and Pauri Garhwal saw a negative growth
rate which means an absolute decline in their population. An absolute decline
of population in these two districts is due to huge outmigration of population
from these districts in last decade.Another interesting observation regarding
population growth rate is that it has been higher in border districts apart from
4 districts of plains or partial plains. High growth rate in 4 districts of plains
as compared to hilly districts can be explained on account large inflow of
people from hilly areas to Tarai and Bhabar from hills. Reasonably high
population growth rate in border districts of Uttarkashi and Champawat can
be explained on the ground of lesser outflow of people from these two
districts.Considering growth rate in age category of below 6 years it indicates
an overall decline in the population of children from census 2001. For
example population below 6 years of age was 13,60,032 in 2001 which
declined to 13,55,814 in 2011. This indicated decreasing population in
coming years due to absolute fall in birth rates.
Sex Ratio- sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand
males. Uttarakhand has the sex ratio of 963 which is more than the national
Page 5


Demographics
A detailed study of demographics of the state with underlying issues has been
discussed below.
Population, Population Density and Growth Rate
Uttarakhand has a population of 1,00,86,292 inhabitants as per the 2011
census, which accounts for 0.83 percent of total population of the country
while its area is 1.69% of the total area of the country. The population of
Garhwal region is 5,87,294 accounting for 59.08% of the total state
population while that of Kumaun is 4,22,998 accounting for 40.92% of the
total population of the state. The state had a growth rate of 18.80% over the
last census in 2001. The male to female ratio is 1000: 963. The population
density is 189 per sq. km. The literacy rate of Uttarakhand is 78.82%.
Following table provides detail of some important facts about demography of
the state:
Measure 2001 2011
Population 84,89,349 1,00,86,292
Male 43,25,924 51,37,519
Female 41,63,425 49,48,519
Sex ratio 962 963
Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) 908 890
Literacy 71.6% 78.82%
Male Literacy 83.3% 87.4%
Female Literacy 59.6% 70.0%
Population Density 159 189
Urban Population 25.67% 30.23%
Rural Population 74.33% 69.77%
In mountainous region like the Himalaya, topography and climate exert more
influence on the distribution of population than any other factor. Maximum
concentration of population is found along Tarai-Bhabar belt followed by
lower parts of Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kosi, Kali and
other river valleys. In the Himadri, the population is only confined to the
valleys (Himadri valleys), particularly along the more open ones with better
aspects and terrain.
The hilly tracts having high percentage of talaon and upraon land have
densities in the range 150-200 persons per sq km. The density is also high in
the Sor valley covering almost the whole tehsil of Pithoragarh. The wide
valleys and extensive rivers terraces in Chham-Tehri and Kirtinagar-Srinagar
areas with sufficient irrigation facilities ena bling as many as three crops to
be grown carry 150-200 persons per sq km. uncontiguosly in the blocks of
Pratapnagar, Jakhnidhar, Pauri, and Kajlikhal of Garhwal and Tarikhet,
Hawalbagh, Bin and Munakot of Kumaon. In the zone of high density, the
percentage of cultivated area is above 12.5 and in that of highest density, it is
above 25.
The most conspicuous feature of the population map is that about half of
the area of Joshimath and Bhatwari blocks in Garhwal and Munsiyari and
Garbyang blocks in Kumaun carry no population as they remain covered with
snow for the major part of the year. Adjoining this area lies the next zone
between 2400-3600m which has very low density of less than 10 persons per
sq. km. Here the percentage of cultivated area is low and only one crop grows
in a year.
Table 14.1: Population of Districts in Descending order
District Population Male Population Female Population
Haridwar 18,90,422 10,05,295 8,85,127
Dehradun 16,96,694 8,92,199 8,04,495
Udham Singh Nagar 16,48,902 8,58,783 7,90,119
Nainital 9,54,606 4,93,666 4,60,939
Pauri Garhwal 6,87,271 3,26,829 3,60,442
Almora 6,22,506 2,91,081 3,31,425
Tehri Garhwal 6,18,931 2,97,986 3,20,945
Pithoragarh 4,83,439 2,39,306 2,44,133
Chamoli 3,91,605 1,93,991 1,97,614
Uttarkashi 3,30,086 1,68,597 1,61,489
Bageshwar 2,59,898 1,24,326 1,35,527
Champawat 2,59,648 1,31,125 1,28,523
Rudraprayag 2,42,285 1,14,589 1,27,696
Total 1,00,86,292 51,37,773 49,48,519
The Siwaliks, a major part of duns, and the foothills of the Himalaya are
covered with dense forests where the density of population was very low. The
forest clearing in this zone post independence has led to increase in
population in the region.
Population- In terms of absolute population it is clear from the above table
district of Haridwar has highest population followed by Dehradun, Udham
Singh Nagar and Nainital. Haridwar district has highest population and
accounts for 19.07% population of the State, and Rudraprayag accounting for
2.44% population of the State has least population. More than half of the
population (52.81%) lives in three districts of the plains namely Udham
Singh Nagar, Dehradun and Haridwar.High population in these districts is
because of their topography and climatic factors. A larger part of these
districts including Haldwani and Ramnagar tehsils of Nainital fall in Tarai,
Bhabar or Doab region. Fertile land with good irrigation facilities, allow three
crops a year. Further, industrialization in these districts with establishment of
industrial units at Pantnagar, Sitarganj, Kashipur, Haridwar, Selaqui etc. has
also supported large population. Influx of huge population from hilly areas,
setting up of state capital at Dehradun also leads to large population in these
districts.On the other hand districts of Rudraprayag, Champawat, Bageshwar
and Uttarkashi has low population. In first three districts their lower size in
therms of area is an important factor. Other factors including difficult hilly
terrain, inhospitable climate, large area under forest cover, lack of fertile land
and irrigation facilities also lead to low population. These districts have also
seen high rate of outmigration. District of Uttarkashi despite having largest
area has low population mainly due to high mountainous terrain, large area
under perennial snow cover and inhospitable climate.
Population Density- Population density is defined as the number of people
per hundred square km of the land area. Uttarakhand has a population density
of 189 which is much lower than that of national average of 382. Further the
density has increased from 159 in 2001 to 189 a jump of 30 points. In this too
districts falling in plains, tarai, bhabar account for the high population
density. Haridwar with 817 is most densely populated district of the state.
High density in these districts is due to availability of irrigated agricultural
land, favourable topography and climate, higher industrialization, better
transport facilities and influx of large population from the hilly areas. The
lowest density is in the district of Uttarkashi followed by Chamoli and
Pithoragarh. Along with border areas these districts have lower availability of
agricultural land, inhospitable topography and climate and large areas
remains covered with snow all year around.
Growth Rate- Growth rate of population declined from 19.20% in 2001 to
18.80% in 2011. Growth rate is more than that of national average of 17.64%.
This can be explained on the basis of Uttarakhand being a state where
population transition is yet to arrive in its mature phase and also lower base
effect of population. Four districts of Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun,
Haridwar and Nainital registered highest growth in their population. At the
same time two districts ie. Almora and Pauri Garhwal saw a negative growth
rate which means an absolute decline in their population. An absolute decline
of population in these two districts is due to huge outmigration of population
from these districts in last decade.Another interesting observation regarding
population growth rate is that it has been higher in border districts apart from
4 districts of plains or partial plains. High growth rate in 4 districts of plains
as compared to hilly districts can be explained on account large inflow of
people from hilly areas to Tarai and Bhabar from hills. Reasonably high
population growth rate in border districts of Uttarkashi and Champawat can
be explained on the ground of lesser outflow of people from these two
districts.Considering growth rate in age category of below 6 years it indicates
an overall decline in the population of children from census 2001. For
example population below 6 years of age was 13,60,032 in 2001 which
declined to 13,55,814 in 2011. This indicated decreasing population in
coming years due to absolute fall in birth rates.
Sex Ratio- sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand
males. Uttarakhand has the sex ratio of 963 which is more than the national
average of 940. This indicates better position of female in society of
Uttarakhand in general and large male dominated outmigration from the state.
In comparison to 2001 census, sex ratio has improved marginally from 962 in
2001 to 963 in 2011, which is more a statistical figure than indicating
anything much positive. This increase has been lower than that of increase in
the overall national average.
Interestingly out of 13 districts, 7 has a sex ratio of more than 1000 with the
dsitrict of Almora having sex ratio as high as 1139 and Rudraprayag 1114,
indicating more female than males in these districts. All of these are hilly
districts and reason ascribed to positive sex ratio are many. Large male
dominated outmigration from hilly areas to plains or to other states is most
important reason. Others like better status of women in Pahadi society and
they being playing significant role in day to day life along with lack of
availability of sex selection facilities and female foeticide are important
reasons.
Contrastingly, districts of plain and tarai-bhabar region has very low sex
ratio with Haridwar district having as low as 880. The low sex ratio in these
districts is ascribed to, patriarchal society in general, high rate of sex selective
female foeticide, general neglect of women and girl child in society. Huge
male dominant emmigration from hills and also from other parts of country is
other important reason for this asymmetry.
Again Uttarkashi district comes as an exception to this analysis as it has
deficit sex ratio, which can again be discussed in terms of lower outmigration
from this district.