Indians would observe World Population Day across the country by organizing various events to raise awareness about the growing menace of Population.
In New Delhi, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will organize a walk from India Gate to Vijay Chowk at 7 AM in morning. A similar rally would be organized in Patna by few social organizations.
It may be mentioned that as per 2011 census, India’s population has risen to 1.21 billion. The decadal growth rate during 2001–2011 is 17.64 per cent in comparison to 21.15 per cent in 1991–2001. The 2001-2011 period is the first decade with exception of 1911-1921 which has actually added less population compared to the previous decade but states like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh have witnessed high growth of population .
Theme of World Population Day 2013
United Nations has declared the theme of World Population day as Focus is on Adolescent Pregnancy .
About 16 million girls worldwide under age 18 give birth each year. Another 3.2 million undergo unsafe abortions. The vast majority – 90 per cent — of the pregnant adolescents in the developing world are married. But for far too many of these girls, pregnancy has little to do with informed choice. Often it is a consequence of discrimination, rights violations (including child marriage), inadequate education or sexual coercion.
Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary General says, “When we devote attention and resources to the education, health and wellbeing of adolescent girls, they will become an even greater force for positive change in society that will have an impact for generations to come. On this World Population Day, let us pledge to support adolescent girls to realize their potential and contribute to our shared future.”
World Population Day is observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, approximately the date on which the world’s population reached five billion people.