GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Carrying Capacity | Environment for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.(UPSC MAINS GS3 )

Answer: 

Introduction

In ecological terms, the carrying capacity of an ecosystem is the size of the population that can be supported indefinitely upon the available resources and services of that ecosystem.

India’s rapid population growth has already led it to surpass China in 2023, becoming the world’s most populous country, according to the United Nations Population Division (World Population Prospects 2022). Currently, over 17% of the world’s population lives on just 2.4% of India’s land area. This immense population pressure has raised serious concerns regarding potential ecosystem collapse, making it crucial to factor in the carrying capacity of ecosystems while planning for sustainable development in different regions.

Carrying capacity means the maximum number of people or living beings that an ecosystem can support without harming its resources. It depends on how much food, water, land, and other natural resources are available and how fast they can renew themselves.

Body

• Carrying capacity of an ecosystem as an anchor for planning sustainable development of a region Living within the limits of an ecosystem depends on three factors: 
  • the amount of resources available in the ecosystem,
  • the size of the population, and
  • the amount of resources each individual is consuming. 
• The first concept suggests that there should be optimum utilization of resources in an ecosystem which must be based on its per capita use. This can be used for micro-planning and as resources are fixed and limited, limitation on population growth rate can drive society to develop in a better way. 
• Size of population matters during planning as any resource can’t resist its overutilization. Excessive and over use of natural and manmade resources reduces its life period. 
  For example: In Indian mega cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai excessive use of ground water resources andland resources have led to decline in water table. Recent water shortage in Chennai and floods in Mumbai are fine examples of it. Heavy traffic congestion and air pollution are also result of overpopulation which are exceeding carrying capacity of an ecosystem. 
• Overconsumption of resources by individuals in a society also affects sustainable development of a region. Commercialization of residential colonies by opening small factories leads to depletion and pollution of ground water table. Air pollution caused by these units are beyond the selfsustaining criteria of the environment. 
• Concentration of resources in India is a major problem. It has led to inequality and kept the Indian society away from inclusive development. Hence, planning must concentrate on limiting overconsumption by individuals in a society to check exceeding the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. 

Conclusion 
While considering carrying capacity of an ecosystem as an anchor for sustainable development and planning, it must be taken care that resources are not concentrated in fewer hands. There must be equitable distribution of natural resources as well as manmade resources such as education, health care system and transportation without any discrimination. These steps will help India to fulfill its domestic commitments such as reduction of inequality, poverty and achieve its international obligations of attaining sustainable development goals by 2030.

Topics Covered - Carrying Capacity