Lingza - Ministry of Power

3.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND OTHER ASPECTS
3.2.1 Demographic Features
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Preliminary Feasibility Report
Lingza HE Project (3 x 40 MW)
As per the 2001census of India, the total population of the State is 540,493. The overall
density of population in the State is 76 per sq. Km. East district is the most populated
where as North's density only 7 and is the least populated. Sex ratio (females per
thousand male) in 1981 was 835, where as it had improved in 1991 to 878 and in 2001
has shown a declining trend with a value of 875. There are only eight urban towns and
urban population is 9.10% of total population. Literacy rate was 56.94% (19th position)
in 1991 and has increased to 70.65% in 2001. The rural literacy rate in 2001 is 68.59%
whereas the urban literacy rate is 85.80%.
The economy of Sikkim is mainly based on agricultural and animal husbandry.
Approximately 11% of the total geographical area is under agriculture. The work force
participation rate as per 2001 census is 48.52%. The female participation rate in Sikkim is
also much higher than the national average. This is an important aspect of the hill
economy, as productivity is low and hence all the able-bodied people are employed in
agriculture and other activities. Cultivators account for the greater majority of the people
in the State. Animal husbandry is an integral part of the house hold economy of the
region. There are certain household industries also which substantially adds to house hold
incomes. The past one and half decade has witnessed a tremendous upward swing in
various development programme giving a new thrust to the Sikkim economy. This
process has increased wage employment opportunities. The area in the vicinity of the
project is populated. The human settlements are scattered and the human population as
per the 1991 census up to different aerial distances from the project are given in below.
Table 3.1: Human settlement and Population around the project vicinity
Item Up to 2 km from Up to 2-5 km Up to 5-10 km
Population Nil 527 2369
Households Nil 118 448