Sambhav-2025

Approach Begin with a brief introduction defining population migration and its significance. Use the body to address causes and consequences, with examples and data. Conclude by summarizing key impacts and suggesting balanced measures.

Introduction

Migration, the movement of people across regions or countries, is a result of various push and pull factors. It plays a critical role in shaping economies and societies, impacting both origin and destination areas.

Body

Causes of Population Migration

• Economic Factors: Economic factors, such as job opportunities and better living standards, drive population migration.
  • High out-migration from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has been highlighted, with limited employment opportunities being a significant factor.
  • Migration to states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat continues to be driven by better job prospects and infrastructure, as evidenced by the EAC-PM Report on Domestic Migration 2023.
  • In 2023, districts like Mumbai, Bengaluru Urban, and Howrah accounted for the highest levels of migration, underlining their role as major economic hubs.
• Social Factors:
  • Improved access to education and healthcare facilities in urban areas remains a key driver.
  • Marriage is the predominant cause of female migration, with 86.8% of female migrants moving for this reason, as per the Migration in India Report 2020-21.
• Political Factors:
  • Displacement due to conflicts remains relevant globally, such as the Syrian refugee crisis or Rohingya migration.
• Environmental Factors:
  • Climate change, including sea-level rise and flooding, continues to drive migration from vulnerable areas like the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
  • Seasonal migration patterns show peaks in April-June and November-December, influenced by agriculture, festivals, and marriages, while January has the lowest migration activity.

Consequences of Population Migration

• Positive Impacts:
  • Economic growth in recipient states, such as West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, as noted in the EAC-PM report.
  • Remittances remain vital for rural economies in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Negative Impacts:
  • Brain drain from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh hampers their development.
  • Migration can lead to regional discrimination and violence, often fueled by the "son of the soil" doctrine.
  • Overcrowding and infrastructure strain in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are significant challenges, with urban areas continuing to absorb the majority of migrants.
  • Gender disparities persist, with migration dominated by marriage-related reasons for females (47.9%) compared to employment-driven male migration (49.6%).
• Environmental Effects:
  • Unplanned urbanization contributes to pollution and loss of green spaces in major urban centers.
  • Agricultural lands in origin areas are abandoned, leading to reduced productivity and food security concerns.

Conclusion

Migration, a multifaceted phenomenon, is driven by economic, social, and environmental factors. While it facilitates economic development and cultural exchange, challenges like urban overcrowding and regional disparities necessitate targeted policies. A balanced approach that promotes equitable development and migration-friendly infrastructure is vital for achieving sustainable outcomes.