Chapter 5 - Groundwater potential zones identification using integrated remote sensing and GIS-AHP approach in semiarid region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Groundwater, natural resources on the earth surface is useful for drinking, agriculture, irrigation, and industrial activities. There is a need for sound strategies for effective conservation, management, planning, and sustainable development of groundwater accessibility. The present study attempts in delineation of groundwater potential index (GWPI) of Bhatkuli taluka, Amravati district, Maharashtra using integrated of remote sensing, GIS, and analytical hierarchy process techniques. The various important parameters, namely, geology, geomorphology, land use/land cover, slope, lineament density, rainfall, soil texture, drainage density, groundwater drinking quality, and groundwater fluctuation were integrated with a GIS environment for delineation of GWPI. The groundwater potential zone index value has been statistically calculated from multiplying the rating and weightage of various thematic layers and taking the sum of all the parameters. The groundwater potential zone index has been calculated for 137 villages and categorized into four classes, namely, poor (34–43), moderate (44–50), good (51–57), very good (58–66). A very good GWP zone contributes 13.54% area along with the south western and central part of the study area. Good GWP zone covers 67.20% of basin area and is observed across the central region of the area. The moderate GWP zone spreads over 15.99% of total area is located in southern part of the study area. Poor GWP zone covers 3.27% of area, and is observed in south eastern region of the study area. The present research reveals that the study area has good groundwater storage but most of this area is covered under the saline water zone. The findings of the research result reveals villages under poor groundwater potential zone requires proficient planning, management, and development technique to conserve groundwater resources.