PIONEER NEWS SERVICE
Prashant Advait Foundation’s founder and former civil service officer, Acharya Prashant stated that the growing population in India is not just an economic and social problem but a part of a global crisis. “Every citizen must understand this issue and play their role in finding a solution. India is today the most populous country in the world with a population of approximately 1.44 billion, accounting for 17.76% of the global population,” he said, adding that this rapid population growth has profoundly impacted the country’s resources, environment and social structure. If appropriate steps for population control are not taken promptly, the consequences could be severe, he warned.
Dwelling on how it would impact the country, he said that resources like food production, water, electricity and fuel are limited and yet their demand continues to grow daily. “For instance, the average Indian household’s electricity consumption has increased tenfold in the last 20 years,” he said.
He pointed out that every newborn brings significant demand for resources such as food, water, housing, education and transportation. “Earth’s resources are finite. Scientists estimate that if every person consumes as many resources as the average American citizen, we would need 17 Earths. Even in the current scenario, Earth’s resources are insufficient for such a large population. With each new child, forests are being cut down, species are becoming extinct and rivers are drying up. The rising population is also contributing to unemployment and inflation, leading to dissatisfaction among the youth, in particular,” he said.
“India’s average age is declining; it means most of the population is young. These young people face economic and social pressures due to a lack of jobs and resources. Hidden unemployment is also a significant issue in India,” he added.
Flagging concern over the adverse impact of over-population on climate, the spiritual teacher said that the increasing population leads to excessive use of natural resources such as coal, oil and gas. ”These resources are not only limited but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions when burned, intensifying climate change and pollution issues. Forests are being cleared to make room for agricultural land due to population growth. When forests are destroyed, numerous species of animals and plants become extinct,” he said.
He urged the government to enact strict and transparent laws for population control with clear objectives. “Educating people about the social and economic consequences of population growth is crucial,” he added.
He further said that if not controlled immediately, its effects would be visible not just in India but across the world. “Focusing on population control is, therefore, essential for a sustainable future of humanity,” Acharya Prashant added.
