Delhi is one of the most ancient and historic cities of India. From past centuries to the present date, It has undergone several administrative changes due to its special character as the National Capital.
The total population of National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi as per the census carried out in 2011 is about 16,753,235 ( 1.68 crores ) as compared to the total population of Delhi as per 2001 census of 1.38 crores, thus exhibiting a decadal growth of 21 %. This is less than the growth rate of the previous decade of about 47%.
The population of the nine districts of Delhi has changed greatly over the years as it is evident from its comparison with 2001 figures. The study indicates that in the last decade there has been a strong growth trend in South West, North West, and North East districts while there has been a sharp fall in population in New Delhi and Central Districts.
A major reason for the fall in the decadal growth rate is the wide ranging removal of slum clusters from various parts of the city since 2001. Many clusters were removed in accordance with the slum rehabilitation scheme and many were removed in the run up to the Commonwealth Games. As many as 32,000 families were shifted to rehabilitation colonies in North west and South districts of Delhi.
The revenue region of New Delhi recorded a 25 % fall in population in comparison with 2001 figures. Whereas the maximum decadal growth of 31 % has taken place in the South West District of Delhi.
Another Visible Trend in Delhi’s population was commercialization of previously residential areas. With increase in Real Estate Prices and certain property laws it was observed that ground floor of the building was converted for commercial use and upper floors were residential. Urbanized villages have become heavily populated dude to tenants who are migrants mainly working is the service sector both in Gurgaon and in Delhi.
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Delhi Map
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In the past decade the overall population density of Delhi has increased from 9,340 persons per sq km in 2001 to 11,297 people per sq km in 2011. The variation in population density and total population of districts is shown in the above map.
There has been a substantial increase in the overall sex ratio of Delhi in 2011. The sex ratio of Delhi was calculated at 866 females per 1000 males which is higher than the 2001 estimate of 821. This increase is yet to be explained upon further study of the census data. It however indicates that large proportion of migrants coming to Delhi for work reasons are women compared to a tendency of men to coming to work.
On The Literacy Front NCT Delhi has shown good numbers, with 91 % of men and 81 % of women being literate, which has an overall 5 % improvement from last time. This makes Average Literacy Rate of Delhi at 86.34 % which is higher than the national average of 74%.
Population Growth in Delhi appears to be on a path of stabilization. However Delhi continues to be a metropolitan growth magnet attracting a lot of migrants. While studying the population of Delhi one must also study the areas of Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad and Ghaziabad to get a complete picture of urban growth rate in this region.