Geospatial mapping of potential recharge zones in parts of Pune city

Abstract

Runoff has increased many fold in urban areas due to increase in paved areas, training of streams and construction of storm water drains. The recharge is therefore continuously decreasing; resulting in depleting groundwater reserves beneath large cities, especially those situated on water divides. In order to reduce surface runoff and replenish groundwater many advocate artificial recharge through rainwater harvesting. Conventionally, detailed hydrogeological survey is needed by expert hydrogeologists to suggest suitable sites for rooftop rainwater harvesting and storage in the subsurface aquifers. Pune, a rapidly growing city, is under severe stress due to shortage of water in some areas. An effort has been made in this study to identify areas suitable for rooftop rainwater harvesting by integrating traditional hydrogeological survey data with the help of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System. This endeavour has led to develop a program called SLUGGER-DQL which helps to identify potential sites for rooftop rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge. The program is open ended and several other factors controlling potential recharge can be easily added on. Based on the results of the present study, potential sites for rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge have been identified in the Pune University-Shivajinagar-Kothrud area. The present paper demonstrates the utility of traditional hydrogeological surveys combined with modern techniques in solving problems related to urban hydrogeology and town planning.