Bhima Basin Research Articles

Changing water quality of a major rainfed river system of western India: insights from the Bhima river using water quality index

The Bhima River originating from the Western Ghats of India, a global biodiversity hotspot, is one of the most dammed rivers, used intensively for multifaceted purposes including agriculture and domestic usage. The present study was undertaken from early pre-monsoon to start of monsoon of 2023 encompassing 68 sampling points across Bhima River and its tributaries to develop the water quality index (WQI). Environmental parameters including SWT, pH, DO, TDS and EC were measured in situ during the time of sampling. Surface water samples (1 L) was collected for estimation of dissolved nutrients. The concentration of dissolved oxygen was found to be below 2 mg l−1 in several sampling points representing hypoxic conditions of the riverine system. TDS and EC ranged from 55.12 ppm to 2983 ppm and 108.3 μS cm−1 to 5939 μS cm−1 respectively, indicating significant spatial and temporal variations. The concentration of dissolved ammonia (0.05 mg l−1–14.09 mg l−1), nitrate (5.88 mg l−1 to 1596.16 mg l−1), o-phosphate (0.21 mg l−1–35.47 mg l−1) and reactive silicate (36.70 mg l−1 to 1455.15 mg l−1) indicates possible influx of agricultural run-off and untreated municipal discharges. Calculations of water quality index (WQI) using the measured parameters showed ‘bad to very bad’ and ‘medium to good’ water quality along the Bhima River and its tributaries. In-depth analyses of WQI indicates pollution ‘hot-spots’ and hints toward urgent implementation of basin-level mitigation strategies for improvement of the ecological health of Upper Bhima basin.

First Report of Tuff in Neoproterozoic Bhima Basin: Field Evidence, Petrography and Geochemical Studies

Abstract We report here the presence of tuffs from the Neoproterozoic Bhima basin unreported hitherto. These are exposed near Hotpet, Hulkal, Kanchankavi, and Ukinal area along two different stratigraphic horizons (1) within carbonates of Shahabad Formation and (2) above shale of Hulkal Formation. Tuffs are of two types: 1. Ash fall tuff and 2. Lapilli tuff, occurring as beds, matrix of a conglomeratic unit and patchy discontinuous layers. Physically ash fall tuff is thinly bedded (2-6 cm) and light-weight, lapilli tuff is hard, compact and individual beds are not discernible in the field. Presence of petrological features like bipyramidal quartz, fiamme structures, embayed quartz grains, blue CL colours of quartz grains, volcanic layering and banding, altered glass, and stretched and elongated volcanic glasses, are clear indications of its volcanic affinity. The tuff is anomalously high in silica content ranging from 71.4-91.2wt% and have low alumina value ranging from 0.75-4.11 wt % compared with that of the normal felsic tuffs, rhyolites and high silica rhyolites. REE in the tuffs can be grouped into two types, 1. Ash fall tuff with enriched LREE and fractionated HREE, 2. Lapilli tuff with flat LREE and HREE pattern. Tuff shows high Hf, overall enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE Rb, Th, K and Pb) and depletion in HFSEs (Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The tuff is probably generated from continental crust source and the depositions are episodic and have more than one eruptive pulses of volcanic activity.

Geochemical and Isotopic Investigation of Carbonate Deposits in the Central Kaladgi Basin, North Karnataka

Abstract Characteristic argillaceous-carbonate sediments covering parts of Belgaum, Bijapur and Bagalkot districts in north Karnataka have extensive deposits of high-grade limestone and have been commercially exploited since 1836. Despite their massive occurrence and commercial importance, the carbonate deposits in the Kaladgi basin have yet to receive enough attention. This study attempts to decipher the genetic aspects of the carbonate deposits occurring in the Neerubudihal region within the central part of the Kaladgi basin. The whole-rock carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions and the major and trace elemental compositions of the studied carbonates indicate that the rocks suffered a weak postdiagenetic alteration and retained the characteristics specific to the original diagenetic environment. The paleosalinity and palaeotemperature estimations reveal the carbonate precipitation in a stable marine environment in the study area with high salinity (av. 125) conditions at an average temperature of ~59 °C. The major and trace elemental studies classify the carbonates as dolomitic limestones and point to the dominance of the sedimentary process in their genesis. The carbon and oxygen isotopic studies suggest that the upper parts of the Bagalkot Group in the Kaladgi Basin had relatively lower organic content and diagenetic alteration than in the contemporary Bhima basin.

Granitoid characteristics of basement to the U-mineralized Bhima basin: Implications for crustal epizone processes

The Dharwar Craton (DC) is an archive containing a good proportion of ancient records of crustal evolution in its rocks. The greenstone-gneiss-migmatite and granitoid complex show significant variation in terms of time, space and mechanism of emplacement according to tectonics and geodynamic set up. The plutons of the northernmost part of Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) are especially recognizable from typical litho-structural attributes. The intensity of regional/burial metamorphism is negligible in these granitoids with versatile nature. Simple and composite plutons are demarcated on the basis of field association with distinguishable petro-mineralogy and geochemical characters. K-metasomatism in pluton is established from petrography with supportive geochemistry. Simple pluton is syenitic in nature unlike the composite plutons with lithological variation from Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite (TTG) to alkali feldspar granite. The granitoids are developed from crustal melting during the plate convergence. Post-orogenic nature of syenite is indicated from geochemical data. The sharp contact between the plutons and country rocks indicates significant temperature difference between country rocks and emplaced magma. The characteristic features like brittle deformation dominated structures, sharp contact between emplaced plutons and country rocks, very low grade of regional metamorphism, intensely differentiated nature and absence of diatexitic migmatite indicate a shallow crustal depth of plutonic emplacement. Higher concentration of large ion incompatible elements (e.g., U, Th, K) and associated high heat production imply shallow crustal segment with rocks derived from evolved differentiated magma. The study indicates a depth less than 8 km and temperature condition less than 250°C which correspond to epizone, where uranium remobilization is facilitated.

Heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of the Upper Bhima Basin, Maharashtra, India

Heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of the Upper Bhima Basin, Maharashtra, India

Reappraisal of 75 Years of Exploration for Atomic Minerals in India and the Way Forward

Abstract In India, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), the oldest unit under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is mandated with the exploration and augmentation of atomic mineral(s) resources of the country to support the Nuclear Power Programme (NPP) of India. AMD, till date have established four (04) generations of uranium metallogeny in India, distributed in 46 deposits and several other occurrences, major share of which are contributed by the globally unique, stratabound carbonate hosted, syn-diagenetic Tummalapalle Group of deposit (~59%), metamorphite type deposits along the Singhbhum Shear Zone (~21%), unconformity related deposits in northern part of Cuddapah Basin (~5%) and sandstone type deposits in Cretaceous Mahadek Basin (~6%). Besides these, metasomatite type deposits along the North Delhi Fold Belt (4%) and granite related-structurally controlled, high grade deposits in Bhima Basin (2%) along with some small hydrothermal/metamorphite/migmatite type deposits in Aravalli, Kotri-Dongargarh, Higher Himalaya belts and Chhotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex contribute to the national inventory which stands at 3,76,000 tonne uranium oxide. AMD have stockpiled substantial quantities of Nb-Ta, Be and Li minerals needed for the NPP of India from prospective pegmatite belts in the country. AMD have established immense potential for REE mineralization in carbonatite complexes of Ambadungar in Gujarat and per-alkaline granite-rhyolite of Siwana Ring Complex, Barmer district, Rajasthan. Exploration along the coastal and riverine placers of the country has established 130 heavy mineral placer deposits with substantial thorium and REE resources. The progressive advancements by AMD through adaptation of integrated multidisciplinary exploration techniques coupled with major thrust in airborne/ground geophysics and expansion of state-of-the-art analytical facilities have facilitated systematic planning for future augmentation of atomic mineral(s) resources. Exploration inputs are envisaged to be intensified in the brownfield target areas for resource augmentation while R&D and phase-wise exploration inputs will be focused for developing the identified greenfield areas following a planned roadmap to ensure selfsufficiency in atomic mineral resources for sustained growth of the NPP to reach the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Capturing Stakeholders’ Challenges of the Food–Water–Energy Nexus—A Participatory Approach for Pune and the Bhima Basin, India

Systems models of the Food–Water–Energy (FWE) nexus face a conceptual difficulty: the systematic integration of local stakeholder perspectives into a coherent framework for analysis. We present a novel procedure to co-produce and systematize the real-life complexity of stakeholder knowledge and forge it into a clear-cut set of challenges. These are clustered into the Pressure–State–Response (PSIR) framework, which ultimately guides the development of a conceptual systems model closely attuned to the needs of local stakeholders. We apply this approach to the case of the emerging megacity Pune and the Bhima basin in India. Through stakeholder workshops, involving 75 resource users and experts, we identified 22 individual challenges. They include exogenous pressures, such as climate change and urbanization, and endogenous pressures, such as agricultural groundwater over-abstraction and land use change. These pressures alter the Bhima basin’s system state, characterized by inefficient water and energy supply systems and regional scarcity. The consequent impacts on society encompass the inadequate provision with food, water, and energy and livelihood challenges for farmers in the basin. An evaluation of policy responses within the conceptual systems model shows the complex cause–effect interactions between nexus subsystems. One single response action, such as the promotion of solar farming, can affect multiple challenges. The resulting concise picture of the regional FWE system serves resource users, policymakers, and researchers to evaluate long-term policies within the context of the urban FWE system. While the presented results are specific to the case study, the approach can be transferred to any other FWE nexus system.

Mapping Sugarcane in Central India with Smartphone Crowdsourcing

In India, the second-largest sugarcane producing country in the world, accurate mapping of sugarcane land is a key to designing targeted agricultural policies. Such a map is not available, however, as it is challenging to reliably identify sugarcane areas using remote sensing due to sugarcane’s phenological characteristics, coupled with a range of cultivation periods for different varieties. To produce a modern sugarcane map for the Bhima Basin in central India, we utilized crowdsourced data and applied supervised machine learning (neural network) and unsupervised classification methods individually and in combination. We highlight four points. First, smartphone crowdsourced data can be used as an alternative ground truth for sugarcane mapping but requires careful correction of potential errors. Second, although the supervised machine learning method performs best for sugarcane mapping, the combined use of both classification methods improves sugarcane mapping precision at the cost of worsening sugarcane recall and missing some actual sugarcane area. Third, machine learning image classification using high-resolution satellite imagery showed significant potential for sugarcane mapping. Fourth, our best estimate of the sugarcane area in the Bhima Basin is twice that shown in government statistics. This study provides useful insights into sugarcane mapping that can improve the approaches taken in other regions.

Comments on “Mineral chemistry of hydrothermal alteration assemblage in hanging wall Shahapur Granite associated with vein type Gogi uranium deposit, Bhima basin, Eastern Dharwar Craton, India: Implication for physico-chemical conditions of ore formation” by Mohd Qaim Raza and Nurul Absar. [Ore Geol. Review, 2021, 128, 1–20

Comments on “Mineral chemistry of hydrothermal alteration assemblage in hanging wall Shahapur Granite associated with vein type Gogi uranium deposit, Bhima basin, Eastern Dharwar Craton, India: Implication for physico-chemical conditions of ore formation” by Mohd Qaim Raza and Nurul Absar. [Ore Geol. Review, 2021, 128, 1–20

Human health risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulations for groundwater with uranium in southern India

Uranium naturally occurs in groundwater and its concentration is mostly controlled by the geology of an area. The regular human consumption of groundwater with uranium causes health effects and hence the assessment of radiological and chemical toxicity effects on humans is essential. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the general hydrochemistry of groundwater in different geological formations of southern India and its relation to uranium as well as to estimate the health risks posed to humans due to consumption of groundwater with uranium using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Four river basins representing the major geological formations of southern India were chosen for this study, from where a total of 141 groundwater samples were collected in the year 2016 and analyzed for the concentration of major ions and uranium. The groundwater occurring in granites had high concentration of uranium followed by gneiss and charnockites. Radiological risks to humans were higher in granitic terrain of Bhima basin, where about 1 in 10,000 may get affected due to cancer. The chemical toxicity risks were higher for the people in granite and gneissic terrain of Bhima basin followed by the people in charnockite terrain of Vaniyar basin. The deterministic method has overestimated the actual risk in comparison to the probabilistic risk assessment. The sensitivity analysis indicates that increase of exposure frequency and ingestion rates increases the chemical risks, whereas decrease of body weight increases the chemical risk. Therefore, the probabilistic approach is much superior to deterministic method since it exhibits variability in the values. The current study highlights the risks to humans by consuming groundwater with uranium, emphasizing on the urgent need for supplying treated water to the community.

Assessing the impacts of land use and land cover change on water resources in the Upper Bhima river basin, India

Rapid economic development in India has intensified the changes in natural land cover and thus affects the availability of water resources. The present study aims to analyze past land use changes for three time periods and assess their impacts on water resources in the Upper Bhima basin. An object-based image analysis (OBIA) technique was used to identify the progressive land use changes for the year 1992, 2000, and 2009. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), an open source hydrological model was used to simulate hydrological processes and assess the impacts of land use change on surface runoff, groundwater flow, lateral flow, percolation, and evapotranspiration in the basin. The model was calibrated and validated for a baseline period (1985-1994) using 1992 land use/land cover (LULC) map. The model calibration and validation was found to be satisfactory. The optimized SWAT model parameters along with 1992 and 2009 LULC maps were used to quantify the impacts in the Upper Bhima basin. The major land use changes were identified as conversion from wastelands and agricultural land to built up area (2.6 % in 1992 to 7.3% in 2009). The modeling results showed that urbanization has a significant (p<0.001) positive relation with surface runoff (R = 0.96), water yield (R = 0.57), and a negative relationship with baseflow (R = -0.95), and percolation (R = -0.99). The study also revealed that the nature of LULC change has differential impacts at both basin and sub-basin scale. At basin level, the overall impacts of LULC change on hydrological parameters are small however at sub-basin level, the surface runoff and water yield has increased up to 13.6%, 8%, respectively. Similarly, the lateral flow changed from -9% in sub-basin 42 to 10% in sub-basin 20 and evapotranspiration changed from -3% in sub-basin 43 to 59% in sub-basin 6.

Evaluation of Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Groundwater Recharge and locating Artificial Recharge Structures for Watershed in Upper Bhima Basin, Pune, India

Evaluation of Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Groundwater Recharge and locating Artificial Recharge Structures for Watershed in Upper Bhima Basin, Pune, India

Petro-mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Shahaba Limestone from Gogi-Kanchankayi sector, Bhima Basin, Karnataka with reference to Uranium mineralisation

The Shahabad Limestone Formation of Bhima Basin from Gogi-Kanchankayi area occurs in heterogeneous forms like massive/blocky limestone, argillaceous/ siliceous limestone and laminated/ flaggy limestone. These limestones are primarily composed of micrite, which often alters into sparry calcite on diagenesis with associated impurities of quartz, feldspar, barite, chlorite, glauconite, sulphides and carbonaceous matter. Geochemically, these limestones comprises of variable CaO with low MgO and P2O5 content. Trace elements concentration shows elevated Ba, Rb and depleted Sr. The current study classified these limestones as non-dolomitic and non-phosphatic types deposited in shallow marine carbonate platform setting with low energy conditions. Post-sedimentation, basin tectonics has resulted in reactivation of the basin margin fault causing intense fracturing of limestone. Subsequent hydrothermal movement along those fractures has resulted in re-mobilisation and re-precipitation of sulphides and carbonaceous matter, and along with alteration has facilitated the precipitation of the uranium bearing minerals.

Sulphur Isotopic Studies of Pyrite from Gogi Uranium Deposit, Bhima Basin, Karnataka

Abstract Uranium deposit at Gogi area is located along the E-W Gundahalli-Gogi-Kurlegere (GK) fault, in the brecciated impure limestone of Shahabad Formation of the Bhima Group of sediments and the basement granite in the central part of the Meso-Neoproterozoic Bhima basin. Uranium mineralisation is associated mainly with sulphide bearing minerals and secondary calcite. Ore microscopic studies indicate that among the sulphide minerals pyrite is predominant (about 98%) with subordinate amounts of chalcopyrite, chalcocite, marcasite, arsenopyrite and galena. Megascopically, three different varieties of pyrite viz., euhedral, lumpy and vein types are identified in the limestone and siltstone. Ore microscopic studies reveal that vein type pyrite and lumpy pyrite are fractured and crushed. Euhedral pyrite is idiomorphic and devoid of any fractures. The pyrite samples were analysed for δ34S sulphur isotopes. The δ34S values show a wide range from −30.51 to +20.77‰ (Canyon Diablo Troilite, CDT). δ34S values of pyrite can be classified into three groups depending on the values. High values of +17.73 to +20.77 ‰ (CDT) of euhedral pyrite (Py-I) indicate sedimentary pyrite formed due to bacterial reduction of sea water sulphate in relatively closed system, while pyrite (Py-II) having negative values of δ34S imply bacterial reduction of sea water sulphate in open system. The third group (Py-III) of pyrite have δ34S values of −0.51‰ (CDT) and 7.38‰(CDT), indicating their magmatic/ hydrothermal origin. Sulphides in the deformed sediments acted as reducing agent for uranium precipitation.

Mineral chemistry of hydrothermal alteration assemblage in hanging wall Shahapur granite associated with vein-type Gogi uranium deposit, Bhima Basin, Eastern Dharwar Craton, India: Implications for physico-chemical conditions of ore formation

Eastern Dharwar craton (EDC) is a major uranium province in India hosting number of unconformity related, vein-type and carbonate hosted strata-bound uranium deposits. Gogi uranium deposit (GUD) is a structurally controlled hydrothermal ore deposit (~1.35 Ga), hosted in a reverse fault zone between the foot-wall Mesoproterozoic Bhima Group carbonates and the hanging wall basement granites (~2.5 Ga) of the EDC. The hanging wall granites, locally known as Shahapur granite show extensive chloritisation and epidotisation, and constitute the propylitic outer zone of the main hydrothermal system of the GUD. We conducted systematic mineralogical and geochemical studies on hydrothermally altered assemblages to understand physico-chemical conditions of hydrothermal fluid. Quartz, epidote, chlorite, titanite, fluorite and hematite are the main hydrothermal mineral phases. Chlorites occur in two different forms, as pseudomorphic replacement of hornblende and as vein/cavity fillings. Epidotes occur as coarse prismatic grains in the main veins, or as replacement of albite in the wall rock. Mineralogical, textural data and geochemical mass balance calculation indicate that about 17.9% of total albites (Modal abundance = ~48%) and all the hornblendes (modal abundance = ~7.5%) of the parent rock were broken down and reacted to form quartz, chlorite, epidote, secondary titanite and hematite. The hydrothermal reaction resulted in creation of 13 vol% secondary porosity in the host rock and acidification of the evolved fluid. Thermodynamic calculation on chlorite compositions indicates ~ 250 °C temperature of formation and oxidising nature of ambient fluid, with log fO2 ranging between −37 and −31 (avg. −35). Available fluid inclusion data, in conjunction with chlorite geothermometric results, show fluid entrapment pressure between 625 bar and 792 bar, which is consistent with emplacement of hydrothermal fluid in low-pressure brittle deformation zone. We surmise that U6+ was liberated from basement granite by reaction with oxidised acidic fluid, transported as chloride, carbonate complexes and precipitated in high permeability fault-zone, possibly because of mixing with reduced- basin derived fluids.

Projection of Temperature and Precipitation using Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network as a Downscaling Methodology for Upper Bhima Basin

Study of Climate change effect on water resources is very important for its effective management. Projection of temperature and precipitation can be performed by using General Circulation Model (GCM) outputs. GCM can make the projections of climate parameters with different emission scenarios at coarser scale. However hydrological models require climate parameters at smaller scale Downscaling technique is used for obtaining small scale climate variables from large scale variables of GCM outputs. In this study downscaling has been carried out by using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques. Performance of MLR and ANN models has been evaluated considering Coefficient of determination value (R2). It has been observed that ANN performs better against MLR Model, showed the results that rainfall distribution pattern is varied, in monsoon season rainfall decreases while it increases in post monsoon period. Due to its good evaluation performance such techniques can be applicable for downscaling purpose.

A Note on the Occurrence of Hydrothermal Anhydrite (CaSO4) in Kanchankayi area, Bhima Basin, Yadgir District, Karnataka

A Note on the Occurrence of Hydrothermal Anhydrite (CaSO4) in Kanchankayi area, Bhima Basin, Yadgir District, Karnataka

Iso-dip Contouring: An Innovative Approach to Exploration for Concealed, Structure-controlled, Hydrothermal, Vein-type Uranium Mineralisation in Kanchankayi Sector of Kurlagere-Gogi-Gundanahalli Fault Zone, Yadgir District, Karnataka

Kanchankayi is located in the central part of the 55 km long Kurlagere-Gogi-Gundanahalli (KG) fault of Meso-Neoproterozoic Bhima basin of Southern India. Intensive integrated exploration in Kanchankayi has established a concealed, fracture-controlled, low-grade uranium deposit. Uranium mineralisation is mostly confined within the fractured limestone of Shahabad Formation and partly within fractured basement granite. Tectonic movements along the KG fault in Kanchankayi area have resulted in the northward thrusting of basement granite over the Bhima sediments forming a reverse fault geometry. Structural mapping and subsurface exploration has established that the uranium mineralisation is mainly confined to the fault zone. In general, the fault zone is characterised by steep southerly dipping to vertical limestone beds. Iso-dip contouring was attempted on the beds having equal angle of dip, with the premise that steep southerly dipping and vertical beds will reveal the trend and location of the fault zone on the surface. The iso-dip contour map reveals that the contour depicting the fault zone initially follows the basement-sediment contact and further NE i.e. towards Kanchankayi and transgresses into the Bhima sediments. This suggests that the fault zone, instead of following the basement-sediment contact, moves within the basin in Kanchankayi. Recent sub-surface exploration in Kanchankayi has corroborated this interpretation. The innovative approach in utilizing structural mapping and iso-dip contouring has not only given a new dimension to the exploration programme at Kanchankayi but also provided a model technique for exploration of concealed, structure-controlled, hydrothermal, vein-type uranium mineralisation in parts of Bhima basin.

Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater from semiarid region of western India for drinking and agricultural purposes with special reference to water quality index and potential health risks assessment

Increase in demand for water for domestic, agricultural and industrial needs has led to overexploitation as well as contamination; hence, it is unremittingly important to monitor and maintain the health of waters. In view of this, a study was carried out wherein a total of 57 groundwater samples from Upper Bhima Basin of western India were collected and analysed for understanding the drinking and agricultural suitability with special reference to water quality index and potential health risks assessment. Analysed physicochemical parameters indicated that the groundwater quality is not suitable in most of the villages for drinking and agricultural purposes. However, pH, TDS, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl− and F− parameters were below the permissible limit; conversely, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and NO3− contents have been found more than the Indian standards (BIS). The dissemination of ions in the qualitative analysis revealed the dominance order as Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42−− > Cl− > NO3−. Using Piper’s diagram, the groundwater types were found to be majorly Ca2+–HCO3−, Ca2+–Na+–HCO3_, Ca2+–Mg2+–Cl− and Ca2+–Cl− groups. From the Gibbs plot, it is observed that the samples fall between rock dominance and evaporation dominance zones. Based on irrigation indices such as permeability index, residual sodium carbonate, the groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation. In addition to that, water quality index values revealed that 49% of water samples are found unfit for drinking. Further, health risk assessment study carried out using United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines showed that children are at higher health risk than men and women in the study region.

Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping using Geo-spatial Tools for Watersheds in Upper Bhima Basin, Pune, India

Water is one of the primary requirements of any region for sustainable economic development. There are number of limitations regarding availability of surface and subsurface water due to various reasons, hence exploration of groundwater becomes inevitable. Main objective of this study was to map groundwater potential zones for study area using geospatial tools; which comprises of watersheds in Upper Bhima Basin, Pune district. The primary groundwater controlling factors considered are geomorphology, soil, land use land cover, slope, drainage density and lineament density; for which respective maps were prepared using satellite image, toposheets and incidental data. Maps for various layers according to above said controlling factors were generated from different data collected. Finally these thematic layers were integrated using ArcGIS software to prepare groundwater potential zone map for the study area. Groundwater potential zones were marked as ‘very poor, ‘poor’, ‘moderate’, ‘good’ and ‘very good’, based on knowledge based weightage factor. This, geo-spatial techniques based, result was validated using field data collected from the study area. It is concluded that using geospatial tool, identification and mapping for groundwater potential zones become comparatively easy task with saving lot of time and cost and with greater accuracy.