[Points: General growth of population—its effects on developed and underdeveloped countries-worldwide reaction—measures taken in different countries and in India—conclusion.]
Population explosion, like energy crisis, is one of the most talked about topics of the world these days. The population theory pro pounded by Malthus states that population increases by geometrical progression and food supply, by arithmetical progression. The nature strikes the balance by means of war, famine and disease. In spite of the fact that the hollowness of the Malthusian Theory has been established, it cannot be denied that the present growth rate of the world population is alarming and disturbing.
From an estimated 500 million people in 1650, the world population has increased to 1000 million by 1850: 2000 million by 1940, and 4000 million by 1976. The world population which had doubled in 200 years (1650-1850) now took only 40 years to reach the same growth. This figure substantiates the fear that if this present growth rate continues, this planet will be overcrowded within a few decades.
The explosion of human population is partly due to improvement of medical science and increase in food production. This has resulted. in the decline of mortality rate. While some of the European countries have controlled birth rate, the developing and underdeveloped countries still show 3-5 per cent annual growth of human population. As a matter of fact out of 52 million babies born in every second, 4-25 million are born in the developing and underdeveloped countries only. This population explosion, if not checked immediately, would lezd to invasion towards agricultural land and forests for construction of new townships. Additionally, unemployment problem, educational problem and energy crisis will become acute. According to a U.N. report, 65 new cities with population over 5 million will come up by the end of this century. The will be human jungles all over with no space to move about.
Sensing the danger and the calamity the world would face during the next two decades, sociologists, politicians and statesmen everywhere have taken this problem in right earnest. Even conservative religious leaders have now changed their orthodox outlook. Family planning is now an official programme in conservative Muslim countries like U.A.R., Jordan, Iraq and Syria. China has also stepped up this campagin to such a level that during the last 10 years, the annual growth Fate has come down from 5% to 15% while in India it is around 2-5% according to the latest census.
Population explosion has obviously led to family planning. In most countries of the world, thanks to publicity and encouragement from government, people have become conscious of the danger the society will face if the growth rate is not checked immediately. Five countries, i.e., Mexico, Portugai, China, Equador and Yugoslavia have already incorporated family planning as a basic human right in their constitution. Japan has successfully reduced birth rate from 2-5% in 1945 to 1-4% in 1976. It is a pity that India, where the growth rate is amongst the highest in the world, is lagging much behind in formulating any definite programme to meet the challenging crisis. It seems that the duty of the government is restricted to the display of a couple of banners and advertisements here and there urging family planning. Still more extensive campaign, and mass education are absolutely necessary to bring down the birth rate.
In fact, population explosion is corroding the very foundation of present day socio-economic structure and is striking at the very root of civilization. Therefore, all the countries, developed or under developed, should join hands to meet the crisis in right earnest before it is too late.
