Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.
Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.
Recent census projections indicate the Ganga River Basin hosts over 600 million people, making it the world's most densely populated river basin with complex resource-dependent settlement patterns.
Distribution Pattern in the Ganga River Basin
Spatial Variation:
- Upper Basin (Uttarakhand): 189 persons/km² due to mountainous terrain
- Middle Basin (UP, Bihar): 800-1,200 persons/km² in fertile doab regions
- Lower Basin (West Bengal): Over 1,000 persons/km² in deltaic areas
- Linear settlements along riverbanks and major tributaries
- Clustered patterns around cities like Kanpur, Allahabad, Patna, and Kolkata
Density Distribution in the Ganga River Basin
| Region | Density (per km²) | Key States | Primary Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Basin | 150-300 | Uttarakhand | Limited arable land, terrain |
| Middle Basin | 600-1,200 | UP, Bihar | Fertile alluvium, irrigation |
| Lower Basin | 900-1,500 | West Bengal | Deltaic fertility, water access |
Land Resources and Population
Agricultural Land Impact:
- 83% of basin area under cultivation supporting dense rural population
- Doab regions between Ganga-Yamuna showing highest concentration
- Land fragmentation: Average holding size 1.08 hectares affecting settlement density
- Recent PM-KISAN scheme covering 11 crore farmers reflects agricultural dependency
- Urban expansion: Cities like Ghaziabad, Noida showing rapid population growth
Soil Resources Influence
Soil-Population Correlation:
- Alluvial soils covering 70% basin area supporting 80% population
- Newer alluvium (Khadar): Higher productivity, denser settlements
- Older alluvium (Bhangar): Moderate fertility, scattered population
- Soil Health Card implementation in 2.4 crore hectares improving productivity
- Saline-alkaline patches in western UP showing lower population density
Water Resources Impact
Water Availability Pattern:
- Annual flow 525 billion cubic meters sustaining high population density
- Monsoon dependency: 80% flow during June-October affecting seasonal migration
- Groundwater depletion: Punjab, Haryana showing declining water tables
- Jal Jeevan Mission: 9.6 crore rural households connected improving habitability
- Industrial water demand: 62 billion cubic meters annually concentrating urban population
Sustainable development of the basin requires integrated resource management through initiatives like Namami Gange and National River Conservation Plan to balance population pressure with resource conservation.
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