A study on spring rejuvenation and springshed characterization in Mussoorie, Garhwal Himalaya using an integrated geospatial-geophysical approach

Abstract

In the Himalayan region, drinking water has always been an issue. A total of six gravity springs and springsheds are selected at Mussoorie Hills, Garhwal (Lesser) Himalaya that prioritized the augmentation of water resources through spring rejuvenation. LISS-IV and Cartosat-I data are used to study topography, delineate springshed boundary, analyzing structural setting, surface water flow pattern. This geospatial analysis is validated further by the hydrogeological survey and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (Wenner configuration; especially carried out in Kandighat (<45° slope angle)). They inferred that discharge is structurally controlled by Mussoorie Syncline (along its limbs) and impervious Krol Limestone. The high lineament density, gentle slope and positive NDVI determined the springsheds potential for groundwater resources augmentation and development. The Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School, Mussoorie, became the protagonist for solving the drinking water issue, using an integrated geospatial (LISS IV and Cartosat I data) and geophysical survey (Vertical Electrical Sounding and Electrical Resistivity Tomography). The ERT survey shows a low resistivity zone (~10–100 Ωm); subsequently, the VES results are plotted in a logarithmic graph, and the curve obtained (matched in the IPI2 software by inverse slope method) shows sharp peaks that correspond with ERT results very well. Therefore, these low resistivity value confirms the presence of water saturation zones. In December 2017, final drilling took place, thereby discovering groundwater yield at a surplus rate of 180 L/m surfed up to 130 m below the ground level. This expedition became the first successful scientific study in the Mussoorie hills on drinking water extraction from aquifers by integrating Geospatial and Geophysical methods. Therefore, it is clear proof of the efficiency and effectiveness of the technology and can be adopted elsewhere in the steep mountainous terrains of the Himalayan region.