A Geographical Study of Rural Out migration and Demographic Changes in Hilly State Uttarakhand

Abstract

Migration and demographic changes are the major concerns of population geography. However, in other social disciplines, different aspects of migration and demographic changes are studied based on the subject's basic principles. The present study examines linkages between rural out-migration and demographic patterns (changes) in Himalayan State Uttarakhand where subsistence agriculture constitutes the main source of food and rural livelihoods although the availability of arable land is severely limited and crop productivity is very low. The constraints of the subsistence economy and basic facilities compel a large proportion of the adult male population to out migrate from the mountain region in search of livelihoods, employment and basic requirements. Hilly region of Uttarakhand has approximately 48% population with 86.08 km2 geographical area while 52 % population of the State resides in very low geographical area which is 13.93 km2.Also, the lack of basic facilities (communication, transportation, healthcare facilities, educational and recreational facilities), changing climatic conditions and natural disasters are becoming the major reasons for outbound migration of the rural working population. As per an analysis, the rate of population growth in 11 districts of the State has rapidly increased while two regions Pauri Garhwal and Almora have noted a negative decadal growth, with Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh having the highest number of uninhabited villages in Uttarakhand. Generally, negative growth affects growth, the demographic composition and population distribution as well as social, cultural and economic activities.