An Integrated Study on Sustainable Development of Groundwater Resources in Coastal Environs, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh-A Watershed Approach

Abstract

The study area, centered around the Madhurawada structural dome, lies in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh State on the east coast of India. Covering 192 km 2 , the area consists of two non-perennial drainage basins of the Peddagedda River and Maddigedda rivulet. The average annual rainfall of the area ranges from 1000 to 1200 mm. There are about 50 surface water bodies of which eight are perennial. The population of the area in 2010 is estimated at 63,668. In this study, topographic maps, satellite images and geologic maps of the study area have been used to generate thematic maps of drainage, geomorphology, lineaments and land use/land cover. Cultivation is the major land use in the upper and lower reaches of the Peddagedda River whereas urban built-up occupies the watershed of Maddigedda rivulet. Twenty-four dug wells monitored during pre- and post-monsoon periods in 2010 revealed the area configuration of the water table. Analyses of these data in ArcGIS 9.2 environment helped to delineate zones with groundwater potential. Quality of groundwater revealing higher contents of hardness and fluoride in few villages have been affecting arthritis and mild gastrointestinal disorders as reported by Public Health Center. Following the guidelines of the Groundwater Estimation Committee-1997, studied available groundwater resources, current discharge and future requirements for the year 2025. The study area has been divided into run-off zones (about 57 km 2 ) and recharge zones (about 135 km 2 ) corresponding to hills and plains, respectively. The study area has total groundwater resources of 77,715,280 m 3 . The groundwater requirement in 2025 is estimated at 1,621 h.m/day. The study revealing surplus groundwater resources, population boom and recent developments have significant impact which leads to stress on groundwater. Keeping in view of this, drainage and geology were intersected and buffered to locate potential areas for artificial recharge of groundwater for sustainable occurrence to meet