Analytic network process based approach for delineation of groundwater potential zones in Korba district, Central India using remote sensing and GIS

Abstract

The need for augmentation of groundwater resources is attributed to the rapid urbanization and manifold increase in the population in the Indian context. To circumvent the problem the present study is aimed at delineating the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ’s) using Analytic Network Process (ANP) model integrated with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, Central India. Key parameters selected to achieve the targeted approach include aquifer characteristics, geomorphological features, soil types, slope, drainage density, elevation, lineament density, land use land cover, depth to groundwater level and rainfall data are selected to prepare the GWPZ maps. The final GWPZ map is classified into four categories, viz., poor, moderate, high and very high. Results obtained using these parameters indicate that the groundwater potential zones can be classified from study areas as high to very high (62.86%), moderate (17.95%) and poor (19.19%) category of the total area. In total, 96% model accuracy measurement has been achieved, which is in agreement with the available well yield data. Hence, an ANP based GIS model may be an effective and reliable method for delineating groundwater potential zones in any region that is hitherto unused to its full potential and this would pave way for sustainable groundwater exploration.