Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 22

Most migrants are young; in their 20s and 30s and whilst looking for work, they stay and settle. Once married they start families.

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the life cycle stages mentioned and their impact on population growth.

Correct Answer: C) How has natural increase caused the population of Mumbai to grow?

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Population growth in urban areas like Mumbai can be influenced by several factors, including migration and natural increase. Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, often driven by economic opportunities, better living conditions, or other pull factors. However, the question focuses on the life cycle stages of migrants and their impact on population growth.

Natural increase is a demographic term that refers to the growth in population due to the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths. In the context of the question, the statement describes a typical pattern where young migrants in their 20s and 30s move to Mumbai in search of work. Once they settle and get married, they start families, leading to an increase in the number of births. This process contributes to the natural increase in the population of Mumbai.

The life cycle stages mentioned in the question are crucial for understanding natural increase. Young migrants are often in their prime reproductive years, and once they establish themselves in the city, they are more likely to start families. This demographic transition from migration to family formation is a key driver of natural increase in urban areas.

It is important to distinguish between migration and natural increase. While migration can lead to a rapid increase in population due to the influx of people, natural increase is a more gradual process that occurs over time as a result of births exceeding deaths. The statement in the question highlights the role of natural increase in the context of urban population growth, making it the correct answer.

Understanding the factors that contribute to population growth is essential for urban planning, resource allocation, and policy-making. In the case of Mumbai, recognizing the role of natural increase helps in anticipating future population trends and planning for the needs of a growing population.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because the question describes the life cycle stages of migrants, which is more related to natural increase rather than the reasons for migration to Mumbai. Migration reasons would focus on economic opportunities, employment, and other pull factors.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because the question does not discuss the pull factors that attract people to Mumbai. Instead, it focuses on the demographic changes that occur after migration, such as marriage and family formation.
  • Option C: This option is correct because the statement describes how young migrants, once married, start families, which contributes to the natural increase in Mumbai's population. Natural increase is a key demographic factor that influences urban population growth.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the statement clearly aligns with the concept of natural increase, which is a valid demographic factor for understanding population growth in Mumbai.

Mnemonic: NATURAL: Natural Increase Through Ageing and Reproduction

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