Which areas are sparsely populated in India and why?

India, known for its diverse and vibrant population, is also home to several sparsely populated regions. While the country boasts bustling metropolitan cities and densely populated regions, there are vast stretches of land where the population density is significantly low. In this article, we will discuss the factors that contribute to the sparsely populated areas in India, shedding light on the unique characteristics and challenges faced by these regions.

The Sparsely Populated Area:

The sparsely populated areas in India are:

1. Mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir
2. Higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh
3. Desert regions of Rajasthan

Reason Behind Sparsely Populated Area:

Due to harsh weather conditions and such geographical features as do not support human sustenance or vegetation of any kind, these areas do not boast of large populations. Some of the reasons behind the low population in these areas are detailed as follows:

• Cold Climatic Condition: The mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir exude very cold climatic conditions where temperatures drop lower than 0 degree Celsius at night, making it very difficult to survive there.

• High Altitudes: High areas are usually covered with snow and infested with frequent snow storms and blizzards, posing a major threat to any life- humans or livestock. Further, at such heights, only certain animals and plants can survive which definitely rules out any chances for vegetation and agriculture.

• Small and Scattered Fertile Regions: Such areas do consist of some fertile patches of land here and there, but those regions are so small and scattered that no proper agricultural practices can be followed there.

• Arid Soil: The arid and dry region of the Thar and other deserts in Rajasthan is extremely hot. Sandy soils are the only prominent feature there which again, does not support any kind of cultivation, thus inhibiting the population levels.

• Lack of Perennial Rivers and Other Natural Resources: Out of all the rivers in Rajasthan, only two are perennial- Chambal and Mahi. This implies an acute shortage of water for those who do not live in close proximity to these water bodies, thus, leading to barren land and no vegetation.

India’s sparsely populated areas showcase the country’s geographical diversity. While challenging terrains, arid landscapes, and coastal isolation contribute to low population densities, socio-economic factors and government policies also shape the distribution of people across the country. Recognizing the unique characteristics and challenges faced by these regions is essential for developing targeted strategies to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable development in these sparsely populated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. Which areas in India are sparsely populated?

Solution-

The sparsely populated areas in India are:

1. Mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir
2. Higher altitudes of Arunachal Pradesh
3. Desert regions of Rajasthan

Q 2. How do cold climatic conditions lead to a sparse population?

Solution-

The mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir exude very cold climatic conditions where temperatures drop lower than 0 degree Celsius at night, making it very difficult to survive there.

Q 3. Why does Thar desert not support any vegetation?

Solution-

The arid and dry region of the Thar and other deserts in Rajasthan is extremely hot. Sandy soils are the only prominent feature there which do not support any kind of cultivation, thus inhibiting the population levels.

Q 4. How many perennial rivers flow in Rajasthan?

Solution-

Out of all the rivers in Rajasthan, only two are perennial- Chambal and Mahi.

Q 5. Are all regions with sparse populations in India barren?

Solution-

No, all areas with sparse populations are not barren. In fact, such areas do consist of some fertile patches of land here and there, but those regions are so small and scattered that no proper agricultural practices can be followed there.