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1 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Environment & EcologySocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Report Projects Significant Population Growth in Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep

A report by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) projects significant population growth in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep by 2036.

Report Projects Significant Population Growth in Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep

Photo by Siddhesh Mangela

A report by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) projects a substantial increase in the population of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep by 2036. The report highlights that while India's overall population growth is slowing, these Union Territories are expected to see significant demographic shifts.

Factors contributing to this growth include migration and natural increase. Understanding these population trends is crucial for effective planning, resource allocation, and sustainable development in these ecologically sensitive island regions.

Key Facts

1.

Population of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep projected to rise by 2036

2.

Report by International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

3.

Andaman & Nicobar population projected to increase by 27.7% (2011-2036)

4.

Lakshadweep population projected to increase by 37.6% (2011-2036)

5.

India's overall population growth is slowing

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Demographic trends and their implications for regional planning.

2.

Environmental vulnerability and carrying capacity of island ecosystems.

3.

Sustainable development challenges in ecologically sensitive areas.

4.

Impact of population growth on indigenous communities and resource allocation.

5.

Government policies and administrative strategies for Union Territories.

Visual Insights

Projected Population Growth in India's Island UTs (2036)

This map highlights the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, which are projected to experience significant population growth by 2036, contrasting with India's overall slowing demographic trend. Their strategic locations are crucial for national security and maritime interests.

Loading interactive map...

📍Andaman & Nicobar Islands📍Lakshadweep📍India (Overall)

Key Demographic Trends: Island UTs vs. National Context

This dashboard highlights the contrasting population growth trends between India's island Union Territories (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep) and the national average, based on the IIPS report.

Projected Population Growth (A&N, Lakshadweep)
Significant Increase by 2036Reported by IIPS

Indicates unique demographic pressures and opportunities in these ecologically sensitive regions, requiring tailored policy responses.

India's Overall Population Growth Rate
Slowing TrendAs per NFHS-5 and other reports

Provides a crucial national context, highlighting a divergence where island UTs are growing faster than the mainland average. This impacts the demographic dividend.

Report Source
International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

A premier institution for population studies in India, lending credibility to the projections. Its data is vital for evidence-based policymaking.

More Information

Background

India's island territories, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, are unique ecosystems with rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Historically, their populations have been relatively stable or grown at a moderate pace. However, these regions are also ecologically fragile, vulnerable to climate change, and have limited carrying capacity. Understanding demographic shifts is crucial for their sustainable development.

Latest Developments

A recent report by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) projects a significant population increase in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep by 2036. This trend is notable as it contrasts with India's overall slowing population growth. The report attributes this growth primarily to migration and natural increase, highlighting the need for proactive planning and resource management in these sensitive island regions.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the projected population growth in India's island territories: 1. A recent report by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) projects a substantial increase in the population of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep by 2036. 2. This projected growth is primarily attributed to a significantly higher Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in these territories compared to the national average. 3. The report highlights that this demographic shift is consistent with India's overall trend of rapid population expansion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct as per the news. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report attributes growth to migration and natural increase, but not specifically to a *significantly higher TFR*. In fact, island UTs often have lower TFRs due to better development indicators, with migration being a more dominant factor for overall growth. Statement 3 is incorrect; the news explicitly states that this growth is 'contrary' to India's overall slowing population growth.

2. With reference to the geographical and ecological characteristics of India's island territories, consider the following statements: 1. Lakshadweep islands are primarily coral atolls, while the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are largely extensions of the Arakan Yoma mountain range. 2. Both island groups are home to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with unique cultural practices and traditional ecological knowledge. 3. Barren Island, India's only confirmed active volcano, is located in the Andaman Sea and is part of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. Lakshadweep is an archipelago of coral atolls, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are indeed the submerged peaks of a mountain range extending from Myanmar. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to several PVTGs (e.g., Jarawa, Sentinelese, Onge, Shompen), Lakshadweep does not have any PVTGs. It has Scheduled Tribes, but they are not classified as PVTGs. Statement 3 is correct. Barren Island is an active volcano located in the Andaman Sea.

3. In the context of sustainable development and environmental protection in India's island territories, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

  • A.The Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification aims to regulate development activities and protect the fragile ecosystems of these islands, similar to Coastal Regulation Zones.
  • B.Ecotourism is actively promoted as a primary strategy to balance economic growth with environmental conservation in these regions, focusing on low-impact activities.
  • C.The traditional rights of indigenous communities over forest and marine resources are universally recognized and fully protected under existing laws across all island territories.
  • D.Climate change-induced sea-level rise and extreme weather events pose a significant long-term threat to the habitability and infrastructure of low-lying islands in both A&N and Lakshadweep.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement A is correct. The IPZ Notification (now subsumed under CRZ 2011/2018 with specific provisions for islands) is designed to protect island ecosystems. Statement B is correct. Ecotourism is a key strategy for sustainable development in these regions. Statement D is correct. Island territories are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Statement C is NOT correct. While efforts are made to protect indigenous rights, the claim that they are 'universally recognized and fully protected under existing laws across all island territories' is an overstatement. There are often challenges in implementation, conflicts with development projects, and ongoing debates regarding the extent of these rights, especially concerning resource access and land alienation. The strong qualifiers 'universally' and 'fully protected' make this statement incorrect in the practical context.

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