By Anoop Nautiyal
Dehradun, 22 Jan: The Dehradun Nagar Nigam elections, to be held on 23 January 2025; have seen significant changes in voter demographics over the past six years. The number of registered voters in the city has increased considerably, reflecting the growth in its population. Analysing the voter data from the earlier elections in November 2018 to January 2025 provides an insightful picture of how Dehradun has evolved in terms of voter increase.
In the 2018 Nagar Nigam election, held on 18 November, there were a total of 6,28,398 registered voters across 100 wards. By 23 January 2025, the number of voters has risen to 7,71,428, an increase of 1,43,030 voters in just six years.
This translates to an average annual increase of 23,838 voters, a steady rise that highlights both the ever expanding voter numbers in Dehradun and a growing concern from the standpoint of pressures on the limited city resources.
The total percentage increase in voters over the six-year period stands at an alarmingly high 22.76%, or approximately 23%, and the average annual increase in voter percentage is 3.79%, rounded off to 4%.
Such an increase in voter numbers not only reflects significant shifts but also hints at deeper societal trends, such as the possibly higher levels of urban migration and carrying capacity concerns. This trend is particularly noticeable in cities like Dehradun, which have seen significant growth due to both migration and natural population growth. However, the total voter population alone does not fully capture the entire human load of the city.
The estimated total population of Dehradun, combining voters and their dependants, provides a more comprehensive view of the city’s demographic landscape. Based on the assumption that 36% of the population is under 18 and not eligible to vote, the current population of Dehradun, including both voters and non-voters, is estimated to be approximately 12,05,356. This is based on the registered voter population of 7,71,428, with 64% being of voting age and 36% being under 18.
However, this figure of 12,05,356 excludes a significant portion of the population. This group consists of people who are 18 to 19 years old but have not registered as voters, the working-class population from other cities or states, students who come to Dehradun for education, migrant labourers, and other floating populations.
According to reports, only 35% of youth in the 18-19 age group in Uttarakhand have registered as voters during the recently held 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting a large unregistered youth demographic.
Dehradun also hosts a significant number of working-class individuals from outside the city, students from various colleges and universities like Graphic Era, DIT, IMS, and UPES and many others, as well as migrant labourers working on various construction and infrastructure projects.
While it is difficult to assign exact numbers to these groups, it is reasonable to assume their population to be in the range of 2,50,000 to 3,00,000. Adding these figures to the registered voters and their dependants could push the total population of Dehradun to over 15,00,000 people.
Given these numbers, it would be prudent for the Dehradun Nagar Nigam or any other relevant authority to conduct a thorough assessment of the total human load on the city. Such an evaluation is essential for effective policy planning, resource allocation, and understanding the city’s carrying capacity.
With the growth of Dehradun in terms of population, migration, and urban development; it becomes crucial to ensure that the infrastructure, services, and governance mechanisms are aligned to meet the needs of this expanding urban landscape.
In conclusion, the growth in voter numbers in Dehradun over the past six years reflects a major shift in the city’s demographic structure. It is essential to consider not only the registered voters but also the unregistered population to gain a clearer understanding of the city’s total human load.
As the city gets ready to elect its new Mayor; a comprehensive analysis of these factors will help in shaping Dehradun’s future in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
