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GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY OF MIGRATION IN TEHRI GARHWAL DISTRICT,

UTTARAKHAND

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The Deccan Geographer
Vol. 60, No.3, December, 2022, pp. 76-88
(ISSN-0011-7269)
UGC Care Listed Journal

GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY OF MIGRATION IN TEHRI GARHWAL

DISTRICT, UTTARAKHAND
Chet Ram, Devendra Kumar and B.P. Naithani
Abstract
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, often
across national or regional borders. This movement can be voluntary or involuntary,
and can be driven by a variety of factors, including economic, social, political,
and environmental reasons. Migration can take many forms, including temporary
or permanent migration, internal or international migration, forced or voluntary
migration, and economic or refugee migration. In 2020, there were a total of 281
million international migrants globally, which was 3.6% of the world population.
India had 17.5 million international migrants and it received 78.61 billion USD
remittances in 2019. Globally, out of a total of 281 million migrants in 2020,
146 million are men, 135 million are women, 169 million are migrant workers,
in addition there are 3900 missing migrants. This research paper is based on the
causes and consequences of migration in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand
state. The main objectives of this research paper are to study the present status
of migration, causes and consequences of migration and to suggest measures to
reduce migration in the Tehri district. This research paper is completely based on
secondary data. Secondary data has been obtained from Uttarakhand Government's
Rural Development and Migration Commission report 2019-2020 and District
Census Handbook 2011. After collection of data, the data has been analyzed through
maps and diagrams. Data analysis has been done by Microsoft excel software and

factors that push people to migrate from Tehri Garhwal district.

Introduction
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, often
across national or regional borders. This movement can be voluntary or involuntary,
and can be driven by a variety of factors, including economic, social, political,
and environmental reasons. Migration can take many forms, including temporary
or permanent migration, internal or international migration, forced or voluntary
migration, and economic or refugee migration. People may migrate individually
Geographical Study of Migration in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand 77

or in groups, and may move for a variety of reasons, such as to seek better job

economic, and political implications for both the migrants themselves and the
societies they leave and enter. It can have a profound impact on the social and
cultural fabric of communities, and can also have implications for the labor market,

movement from the place of residence to the place of destination, usually crossing

are various; however, most of the migration is carried out for employment and
better livelihood and performed by impoverished people (Bodvarsson & Berg,
2009; Usher, 2005; van Dalem et al., 2005; Zachariah & Rajan, 2004; GOI, 2008).
Migration has led to immense urbanization, mainly in developing countries (Remi
and Adeyoke, 2011). Migration has become a universal phenomenon in recent time.
Millions of people all over the world move out of their residence to seek their
fortune elsewhere (Joseph, 1988). Migration is a global phenomenon and people

food insecurity and escalating income disparities (Jain, 2010). In 2020, there were
a total of 281 million international migrants globally, which was 3.6% of the world
population. India had 17.5 million international migrants and it received 78.61
billion USD remittances in 2019 (WMR, 2020, 2022). Globally, out of a total of 281
million migrants in 2020, 146 million are men, 135 million are women, 169 million
are migrant workers, in addition there are 3900 missing migrants (WMR, 2020).
Migration from rural areas to urban areas has increased rapidly in hilly states, mainly
in Uttarakhand. Due to which villages in rural areas are becoming depopulated and
population pressure is increasing in urban areas. Due to which many problems are
arising in the rural areas and urban areas of the state of Uttarakhand.
Study Region
Tehri district is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. The district lies between

on the north by Uttarkashi district and east by Rudraprayag district, on the south
by Pauri Garhwal district, on the west by Dehradun district. The district of Tehri
Garhwal is one of the western most districts of the Uttarakhand State located on
the outer ranges of the lesser Himalayas. The district is situated in sub-tropical and
temperate climate zone. The minimum average temperature here is -2° C and the
maximum average temperature is 29° C and the average annual rainfall is 944.7
78 Chet Ram et al.

the district. Bhagirathi river divides the district into two parts. The average height
of the district is 1550 meters above sea level. Its total geographical area is 3642
square kilometers. The total population of this district is 618931 and total number
of families are 2585. According to the 2011 census, the population density of the
district is 170 persons per square kilometer, the decadal population growth rate is
2.35%, the sex ratio is 1077 and the literacy rate is 70.36%. The district is located
in the central part of the Himalayas, which has a total of 9 development blocks,
12 tehsils, 2 sub-tehsils, 75 Nyay Panchayats, 1035 Gram Panchayats and 1868
villages. Migration is the biggest problem emerging in the district at present. A
total of 90339 people migrated in Tehri district in the last 10 years, in which 71509
people from 934 panchayats migrated temporarily and 18830 people from 585
panchayats migrated permanently.
Objectives
(1) To study the present status of migration in study area, and,
(2) To study the causes and consequences of migration and to suggest measures
to reduce the migration in the study area.
Database and Methodology
Over the years, migration from rural areas to urban areas has emerged as a
major problem in Tehri district of Uttarakhand state. Therefore, in this research
paper, an in-depth study of the causes and effects of migration in Tehri district
has been done, so that measures can be taken to solve this problem. This research
paper is completely based on secondary data. Secondary data has been obtained
from Uttarakhand Government's Rural Development and Migration Commission
report 2019-2020 and District Census Handbook 2011. After collection of data,
the data has been analyzed through maps and diagrams. Data analysis has been
done by Microsoft excel software and mapping by Arc GIS 10.4.1and Q-GIS 2.18
software. In the writing of this research paper, help has been taken from Uttarakhand
government reports, books and research papers.
Result and Discussion
Migration in Tehri district: Present Status of Migration
According to the Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Commission
Report 2020, a total of 502707 people migrated in Uttarakhand in the last 10
years, out of which 383726 people migrated temporarily and 118981 people
migrated permanently. A total of 90339 people migrated in Tehri district in the
Geographical Study of Migration in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand 79

last 10 years, in which 71509 people from 934 panchayats migrated temporarily
and 18830 people from 585 panchayats migrated permanently. In Tehri district
maximum 17041 people have migrated from Thauldhar block and minimum 4621
people have migrated from Pratap Nagar block. Apart from these, 11408 people
have migrated from Bhilangana, 79354 from Chamba, 15004 from Devprayag,
9775 from Jakhnidhar, 8483 from Jaunpur, 6644 from Kirti Nagar, and 8009 from
Narendra Nagar. Block wise, maximum 13287 people have temporarily migrated
from Thauldhar development block and minimum 3844 people from Pratap Nagar
development block.
Along with these, 8612 people from Bhilangana, 7185 from Chamba, 11568
from Devprayag, 7828 from Jakhanidhar, 7626 from Jaunpur, 5395 from Kirti
Nagar, and 6164 from Narendra Nagar have temporarily migrated. Block-wise,
maximum 3754 people have migrated permanently from Thauldhar development
Table-1: Blockwise Number of Migrants from 2011 to 2020
people have temporarily
Panchayats from which

permanently migrated

Permanent migrants
which people have
Number of Gram

Semi-Permanent

Number of gram
panchayats from
Name of Block

Total migrants
migrated

migrants
Sr. No.

1 Bhilangana 156 8,612 102 2,796 11,408

2 Chamba 93 7,185 78 2,169 9,354
3 Devprayag 115 11,568 91 3,436 15,004
4 Jakhnidhar 81 7,828 49 1,947 9,775
5 Jaunpur 123 7,626 40 857 8,483
6 Kirtinagar 83 5,395 51 1,249 6,644
7 Narendranagar 98 6,164 74 1,845 8,009
8 Pratapnagar 95 3,844 48 777 4,621
9 Thauldhar 90 13,287 52 3,754 17,041
Tehri District 934 71,509 585 18,830 90,339
Uttarakhand 6,338 383,726 3,946 118,981 502,707
Source - Rural Development and Migration Report, Uttarakhand (2019-20)
80 Chet Ram et al.

block and minimum 777 people from Pratap Nagar development block in the
district. Along with these,2796 people from Bhilangana, 2169 from Chamba, 3436
from Devprayag, 1947 from Jakhanidhar, 857 from Jaunpur, 1249 from Kirti Nagar,
and 1845 from Narendra Nagar have migrated permanently. (Table-1 and Fig.-1).
Agewise Migration
The maximum migration from Uttarakhand in the last 10 years has been
done by the youth in the age group of 26 to 35 years, which is 42.25% of the
total migrated population. Along with this, 29.09% people in the age group above
35 years migrated and 28.66% people in the age group of below 25 years have
migrated. The maximum migration from Tehri district in the last 10 years has been
done by the youth in the age group of 26 to 35 years, which is 40.92% of the
total migrated population. Along with this, 29.82% people in the age group above
35 years migrated and 29.26% people in the age group of below 25 years have
migrated. Among people under 25 years of age, maximum 40.29 percent have
migrated from Thauldhar block and minimum 19.94 percent from Jakhanidhar
block. Along with this, in the age group of 26-35 years, the maximum migration of
48% people from Pratapnagar and the minimum from Kirtinagar is 28.73% and in
the age group above 35 years, the maximum migration is from Kirtinagar 44.43%
and the minimum from Thauldhar is 22.30%. (Fig.-2)
Favorite Destinations of Migrants
People of Uttarakhand state migrate the most from one district to another.
35.69% of the total migrants migrate from one district to another. Apart from this,
28.72% people migrate to other states, 19.46% to the nearest city, 15.18% to the
district headquarters and 0.96% outside the country. In the Tehri district the most
of people migrate from one district to another 40.78% of the total migrants migrate
from one district to another. Apart from this, 28.98% people migrate to other
states, 17.73% to the nearest town, 9.42% to the district headquarters and 3.09%
outside the country. In Tehri district maximum migration towards nearby town is
27.83% in Jaunpur block and minimum 8.55% in Devprayag block. Apart from
this, maximum migration towards district headquarter is 18.17% in Narendranagar
block and minimum 2.74% in Jaunpur. The maximum migration from one district
to another is in Pratapnagar block 70.26% and the minimum in Thauldhar 29.98%,
maximum migration from district to other states is 45.87% in Devprayag block and
minimum 12.32% in Pratapnagar block and the maximum migration from district
to other country is 7.51% in Jakhnidhar block and minimum 0.05% in Pratapnagar
Geographical Study of Migration in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand 81
82 Chet Ram et al.

Reduction in Rural Population

After 2011 in the state of Uttarakhand, the population of 565 villages has
reduced by 50%, similarly there are 71 such villages in Tehri district from where
50% people have migrated, block wise maximum 18 villages are in Pratapnagar
from where 50% population has migrated. Along with these there are 13 villages
in Thauldhar, 10 in Jakhanidhar, 8 in Narendra Nagar and Chamba, 5 in Jaunpur,
4 in Bhilangana, 3 in Kirtinagar and 2 in Devprayag from where 50% people
have migrated. The main reason for the reduction of 50% population from these
villages is the lack of employment resources and infrastructural facilities. (Rural
development and migration report, Uttarakhand, (2019-20)
Reasons/Causes of Migration in Tehri District
The highest migration in the state of Uttarakhand is due to lack of employment
at 50.16%. Apart from this, 15.21% due to lack of educational facilities, 8.83% due
to lack of health facilities, 5.44% due to low agricultural productivity, 5.61% due
to destruction of agriculture by wild animals, 3.74% due to lack of infrastructural

relatives and 8.48% people have migrated due to other reasons. Similarly, the
highest migration in the Tehri district is due to lack of employment at 52.43%. Apart
from this, 18.24% due to lack of educational facilities, 7.84% due to lack of health
facilities, 6.17% due to low agricultural productivity, 4.26% due to destruction
of agriculture by wild animals, 3.07% due to lack of infrastructural facilities and

and 8.48% people have migrated due to other reasons. (Table-2).

Unemployment and lack of Medical Facilities
Most of the migration in Tehri district is due to lack of means of employment,
which is 52.43% of the total migrants. Block-wise, due to lack of employment
in Tehri district, the maximum migration is 64.27% in Bhilangana block and the
lowest is 26.27% in Pratap Nagar block. Apart from these, 44.29% people from
Chamba, 59.98% from Devprayag, 47.10% from Jakhnidhar, 57.52% from Jaunpur,
54.13% from Kirtinagar, 47.20 from Narendranagar and 38.97% from Thauldhar
have migrated to other areas in search of means of employment. (Table-2). Due
to lack of health facilities, 7.84% of the total migrants have migrated from Tehri
district. Block-wise, due to lack of health facilities in Tehri district, the maximum
migration is 13.45% in Pratapnagar block and the lowest is 4.41% in Bhilangana
block. Apart from these, 6.69% people from Chamba, 9.36% from Devprayag,
Geographical Study of Migration in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand 83
84 Chet Ram et al.

Table-2: Reasons of Migration Percent in Tehri District

Damage of agriculture
members and relatives
Lack of infrastructure
Lack of education
Lack of medical
Unemployment

Low agriculture

by wild animals
Name of Block

Other reasons
productivity
facilities

facilities
Sr. No.

Total
1 Bhilangana 64.27 4.41 20.29 2.80 3.20 1.04 2.30 1.70 100
2 Chamba 44.29 6.69 18.76 4.45 7.25 3.25 8.10 7.20 100
3 Devprayag 59.98 9.36 18.75 1.89 4.05 1.73 2.75 1.50 100
4 Jakhnidhar 47.10 8.79 16.11 2.55 5.16 2.38 7.37 10.55 100
5 Jaunpur 57.52 5.70 13.58 1.80 4.66 1.04 3.96 11.75 100
6 Kirtinagar 54.13 10.21 18.09 5.07 3.29 1.36 3.47 4.39 100
7 Narendranagar 47.20 7.95 20.37 3.55 11.42 3.65 2.55 3.30 100
8 Pratapnagar 26.27 13.45 13.63 5.27 12.39 10.80 6.20 12.00 100
9 Thauldhar 38.97 10.65 22.28 3.13 11.16 2.76 7.16 3.89 100
Tehri District 52.43 7.84 18.24 3.07 6.17 2.47 4.26 5.52 100
Uttarakhand 50.16 8.83 15.21 3.74 5.44 2.52 5.61 8.48 100
Source - Rural Development and Migration Report, Uttarakhand (2019-20)
8.79% from Jakhnidhar, 5.70% from Jaunpur, 10.21% from Kirtinagar, 7.95% from
Narendranagar and 10.65 % from Thauldhar have migrated to other areas in search
of better health facilities. (Table-2).
Lack of Educational Facilities and Infrastructural Facilities
Due to lack of educational facilities, 18.24% of the total migrants have migrated
from Tehri district. Block wise, due to lack of educational facilities in Tehri district,
maximum migration has been done from Thauldhar block at 22.28 percent and
minimum from Pratapnagar block at 13.63 percent. Apart from these, 18.76% people
from Chamba, 18.75% from Devprayag, 16.11% from Jakhnidhar, 13.58% from
Jaunpur, 18.09% from Kirtinagar, 20.37% from Narendranagar and 20.29% from
Bhilangana have migrated to other areas in search of better educational facilities.
(Table-2). Due to lack of infrastructural facilities, 3.07% of the total migrants have
migrated from Tehri district. Block wise, due to lack of infrastructural facilities in
Tehri district, maximum migration has been done from Pratapnagar block at 5.27%
and minimum from Jaunpur block at 1.80%. Apart from these, 2.80% people from
Geographical Study of Migration in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand 85

Bhilangana, 4.45 from Chamba, 1.89% from Devprayag, 2.55% from Jakhnidhar,
5.07% from Kirtinagar, 3.55% from Narendranagar and 3.13% from Thauldhar
have migrated to other areas in search of better infrastructural facilities. (Table-2).

Due to low agriculture productivity, 6.17% of the total migrants have migrated
from Tehri district. Block wise, due to low agriculture productivity in Tehri
district, maximum migration has been done from Pratapnagar block at 12.39% and
minimum from Bhilangana, block at 3.20%. Apart from these, 7.25% people from
Chamba, 4.05% from Devprayag, 5.16% from Jakhnidhar, 4.66% from Jaunpur,
3.29% from Kirtinagar, 11.42% from Narendranagar and 11.16 from Thauldhar
have migrated to other areas due to low agriculture productivity. (Table-2). 2.47%

and relatives in Tehri district, maximum migration has been done from Pratapnagar
block at 10.80% and minimum from Bhilangana and Jaunpur, block at 1.04%.
Apart from these, 3.25% people from Chamba, 1.73% from Devprayag, 2.38%
from Jakhnidhar, 1.36% from Kirtinagar, 3.65% from Narendranagar and 2.76%

and relatives. (Table-2).

Damage of Agriculture Crops by Wild Animals
4.26% people migrated from Tehri district to other areas due to the damage of
their agriculture by wild animals. Block wise, due to the damage of agriculture by
wild animals in Tehri district, maximum migration has been done from Chamba
block at 8.10% and minimum from Bhilangana block at 2.30%. Apart from these,
2.75% from Devprayag, 7.37% from Jakhnidhar, 3.96% from Jaunpur, 3.47% from
Kirtinagar, 2.55% from Narendranagar, 6.20% from Pratapnagar and 7.16% from
Thauldhar have migrated to other areas due to the damage of their agriculture by
wild animals. (Table-2). 5.52% people have migrated from Tehri district to other
areas due to climate change, natural disaster, dam construction, marriage etc. Due
to all these reasons maximum migration in Tehri district has happened from Pratap
Nagar block 12% and minimum from Devprayag 1.50%. Apart from these 1. 70%
from Bhilangana, 7.20% from Chamba, 10.55% from Jakhnidhar, 11.75% from
Jaunpur, 4.39% from Kirtinagar, 3.30% from Narendranagar and 3.89% from
Thauldhar have migrated to other areas due to other reasons like climate Change,
natural calamities, dam construction and marriage (Table-2).
86 Chet Ram et al.

Negative Impacts/Consequences of Migration

The population of 71 villages has reduced by 50% due to migration in Tehri
district, due to which these villages will gradually become vacant. Due to migration,
the population pressure in the urban area of the district is continuously increasing,
due to which the unemployment and the competition for getting basic amenities in
the urban area has increased. Migration of young and able-bodied individuals from
Tehri district can create demographic imbalances in the region. This can lead to an
aging population, a reduction in the workforce, and an increase in the dependency
ratio. Migration can lead to a decrease in economic activities in the district, as
people who leave take their skills, knowledge, and resources with them. This can
lead to a reduction in the number of businesses, a decline in the agricultural sector,
and a decrease in the overall economic growth of the region. Migration can lead to
a decrease in social capital as people leave their social networks behind. This can
lead to a breakdown of community bonds, reduced levels of trust, and a decrease
in social support. The migration of educated and skilled individuals can result in
a brain drain in Tehri district. This can lead to a shortage of skilled worker in the

also lead to a reduction in the quality of education and healthcare services available
in the region. Migration can create strain on family and community relationships,
as people leave their loved ones behind. This can lead to social isolation, a lack of
emotional support, and a decrease in the quality of life for those left behind. Due to
migration, there is a decrease in agricultural activities in the district, due to which
agriculture land is gradually turning into barren land.
Positive Impacts consequence of Migration
When individuals leave Tehri district to work in other regions or countries, they
often send money back to their families. This can help to alleviate poverty and improve
the standard of living for those who remain in the district. Tehri district has a limited
amount of land, water, and other natural resources. Out-migration can help to reduce the
pressure on these resources, ensuring that they are more sustainable for those who
remain in the district. When individuals leave Tehri district to work in other regions
or countries, they often gain new skills and knowledge that can be applied back in
their home communities. For example, they may learn new agricultural techniques,
business practices, or technological skills. Migration can provide opportunities for
individuals and families to improve their social and economic status. By working in
other regions or countries, they can earn higher wages and gain access to better education
and healthcare, which can ultimately help them to achieve a higher quality of life.
Geographical Study of Migration in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand 87

Conclusion

Tehri Garhwal district, such as lack of employment opportunities, health facilities,

educational facilities, low agricultural productivity, destruction of agriculture by

natural disasters, and social unrest. Additionally, the study may have also explored
the pull factors that attract people to migrate to other regions, such as better job
prospects, education, and healthcare. The study may have assessed the social,
economic, and environmental impacts of migration on the district. For instance,
the study may have found that migration has led to the loss of social capital, strain
on social and economic infrastructure, and negative effects on the environment due
to abandoned lands. A total of 90339 people migrated in Tehri district in the last
10 years, in which 71509 people from 934 panchayats migrated temporarily and
18830 people from 585 panchayats migrated permanently. The highest migration in
the Tehri district is due to lack of employment at 52.43%. Apart from this, 18.24%
due to lack of educational facilities, 7.84% due to lack of health facilities, 6.17%
due to low agricultural productivity, 4.26% due to destruction of agriculture by
wild animals, 3.07% due to lack of infrastructural facilities and 2.47% people have

have migrated due to other reasons. The maximum migration from Tehri district
in the last 10 years has been done by the youth in the age group of 26 to 35 years,
which is 40.92% of the total migrated population. In the study area the most of
people migrate from one district to another, 40.78% of the total migrants migrate
from one district to another. The population of 71 villages of Tehri district has
reduced by 50%, due to which these villages will gradually become vacant.
Suggestions to Reduce the Problem of Migration
Provide better educational and healthcare facilities in the district to improve
the quality of life and reduce the need for people to migrate for these services.
Encourage and support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in
the district. This will create more job opportunities and give people an incentive
to stay in the district. Tehri Garhwal district is known for its agricultural and
allied activities. Therefore, promoting and strengthening these sectors through

create more job opportunities and boost incomes. District has immense potential for
tourism due to its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure sports activities.
Developing tourism infrastructure and promoting tourism could create jobs and
View publication stats

88 Chet Ram et al.

generate revenue for the district. Tehri Garhwal district is prone to natural disasters

infrastructure and promoting sustainable development practices could help to

reduce the negative impact of these disasters on the district.
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-- Chet Ram -- Devendra Kumar

Assistant Professor, Research Scholar,
Department of Geography, Department of Geography,
N.R.E.C. College Khurja, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal
District Bulandshahr, (Uttar Pradesh) University, Srinagar (Uttarakhand)

-- B.P. Naithani
Professor,
Department of Geography,
Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar
(Uttarakhand)