A spatio-temporal analysis of population growth, distribution and density in kurseong town, Darjeeling district, West Bengal

Abstract

The assessment of the relative potentiality of an area for its economic growth is possible through its study on spatial-temporal analysis of population growth, distribution and density of population. As human population, a powerful geographical factor on the earth’s surface, determines the economic pattern of resource utilisation, the measurement and forecasting of changes in population is of utmost necessity for the task of providing food, medical and educational facilities, employment, housing etc. for the increasing population of an area. The paper focuses on the basic nature and characteristics of population growth, distribution and density of Kurseong Town. Kurseong, being a sub-divisional headquarter has experienced a sizable population growth in the last few decades. The purpose of the study is to highlight the trends of population growth and analyse the distribution and density of population as well as to predict the expected future population of Kurseong Town. The source of information regarding population has been procured from Directorate of Census Operation, Government of India, Darjiling. Different statistical techniques such as decadal growth rate, index of population growth, population projection etc. have been used for the present analysis. It has been observed that the town experienced a positive growth of population, though at a slow pace in some of the decades. The population of the town is unevenly distributed in different wards and is not always proportional to the ward area. Population projection reveals that there will be a sizable increase in present population size in the near future.