Groundwater prospecting and management in an agro-based rural environment of crystalline terrain of India

Abstract

An integrated hydrogeological investigation was made to delineate the socioeconomic problems in the agro-based rural environment of the crystalline terrain of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The integrated investigation comprised geoelectrical (GE) surveys, remotely recorded data and pumping tests. The subsurface layer parameters obtained from the sounding interpretation are presented in the form of GE sections and a fence diagram. Characteristic resistivities of various layers were obtained by correlating the known lithology with the GE sounding data. Total transverse resistance (TTR) and total longitudinal conductance (TLC) were computed from the interpretation of the sounding data. The TTR map was compared with the depth of bedrock map and the values of TLC were correlated with the thickness of geoelectrical layers and water quality. Lineaments were mapped from the satellite imageries. Hydraulic properties were determined, using the standard pumping test analysis. Potentiality of aquifer zones was assessed, after comparing the known thickness of aquifer formations with the corresponding discharge (Q) values. The integrated study helps to evolve a criterion to classify the groundwater potential zones (GPZ) into low, medium and high, based on the thickness of the aquifer zone and its corresponding resistivity, TTR, TLC and Q. A management plan has been proposed for sustainable development of groundwater in the region to eliminate water scarcity and its related problems.