World Demographers predict catastrophic future if population reaches 10 billion

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 11 : Demographers across the globe have  estimated that the world population has reached 7.8 billion and have predicted that several catastrophes are likely to occur if the total population reaches 10 billion in 20 years.
This was conveyed by Associate Professor, Imphal College  Dr Salam Noren during the observation of World Population Day held at the premises of the College today.
Speaking at the function, Prof Noren said that the United Nations first observed World Population Day on July 11, 1989.
Maintaining that the world population is increasing rapidly,  the Professor said that if the people will face many calamities and a huge crisis if the trend continues and added that the prevailing global warming and climate change are results of the ever increasing population.
To meet the demands of the increasing population, forests  areas have been cleared and trees have been cut down to construct houses and big industries which in turn have severely affected the eco-system and depleted the environment.
He went onto state that the demographers have also predicted that if the world population is maintained between 9 and 9.5 billion, then humans are likely to face minimal severe calamities.
The Professor expressed apprehension that innumerable disasters and catastrophes will prevail in the near future if people don't start adopting sensible and environmental friendly measures. As part of the observation, students of Imphal College conducted a slogan and poster campaign, raising awareness on the negative impacts of the ever increasing world population.
Organised by World Population Day Observance Committee, the function was attended by Imphal College principal Dr M Priyobrata as the chief guest and HoD, Statistics Department Robikanta Nongthomba as the guest of honour.
DM College of Science Assistant Prof Dr N Sharat and Imphal College Geography Department Associate Professor Th Ashokumar Meitei spoke at the function as resource persons.
In another observation of World Population Day, Tulihal and Mantripukhri Battalions of 9 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (S) observed the day by carrying out various events today.
Nambol COB of Tulihal Battalion observed the day by organising an awareness drive at Maibam Chingning village.
The event commenced with a lecture on World Population Day in which locals were educated on issues emerging due to population increase and the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty and various other connected issues with population.
The lecture was followed by an interactive session in which various queries of the attendees were clarified, said a press release issued by IGAR (S).
Post the awareness session, a painting competition based on the theme of the event was also organised for the students.
Over 60 children of various age groups enthusiastically participated in the event and expressed their thoughts through colours on paper while winners of the competition were felicitated with prizes
On the other hand, in connection with the World Population Day, Mantripukhri Battalion organised an interactive lecture at Sagolmang COB in which various problems and issues concerning population explosion were discussed.
In addition, the locals were also educated on various Government schemes, benefits and latest policies on family planning during the event.  The locals of the area expressed their gratitude and appreciated the efforts of Assam Rifles for organising such educative events and requested to conduct similar events in future as well, it stated.