Hard Rock Terrain Research Articles

Delineation of the Groundwater Potential Zone in Kantli River Basin, Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan: A Geospatial Approach

Remote sensing and GIS are advanced techniques and tools that have been used for various researches including groundwater geology. The Landsat and the IRS satellite datasets have been utilized to extract information on the hydrogeomorphic and groundwater related features of a semi-arid Precambrian hard rock terrain in the Kantli River Basin of Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan, India. It is the upper part of the Shekhawati River. The study area is covering about 2313.2013 km2 in the Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan. In the present study, the groundwater potential zone is identified by the GIS overlay techniques using the spatial analyst tool in ArcGIS 10.2. The developed methodology is demonstrated in the Kantli River Basin of Rajasthan, western India. Originally, nine thematic layers, viz. topographic elevation, land slope, geomorphology, geology, soil, pre and post-monsoon groundwater depths, annual net recharge, annual rainfall and proximity to surface water bodies were considered in this study. Therefore, five groundwater potential zones were identified and distinguished in the study area, viz. 'very good', 'good', 'moderate', 'poor' and 'very poor' based on groundwater potential index values, which will enable the local bodies for the future planning and management of the groundwater resource. Severe groundwater contamination has been found occasionally in the study area. Every year during the summer, the region is facing a lot of problems with portable groundwater. As the study area is semi-desert, the influences of salinity have been increasing day by day in the groundwater. Keywords: Groundwater, Remote Sensing, Kantli River, Satellite Images, GIS, Potential zone

Delineation of the Groundwater Potential Zone in Kantli River Basin, Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan: A Geospatial Approach

Remote sensing and GIS are advanced techniques and tools that have been used for various researches including groundwater geology. The Landsat and the IRS satellite datasets have been utilized to extract information on the hydrogeomorphic and groundwater related features of a semi-arid Precambrian hard rock terrain in the Kantli River Basin of Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan, India. It is the upper part of the Shekhawati River. The study area is covering about 2313.2013 km2 in the Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan. In the present study, the groundwater potential zone is identified by the GIS overlay techniques using the spatial analyst tool in ArcGIS 10.2. The developed methodology is demonstrated in the Kantli River Basin of Rajasthan, western India. Originally, nine thematic layers, viz. topographic elevation, land slope, geomorphology, geology, soil, pre and post-monsoon groundwater depths, annual net recharge, annual rainfall and proximity to surface water bodies were considered in this study. Therefore, five groundwater potential zones were identified and distinguished in the study area, viz. 'very good', 'good', 'moderate', 'poor' and 'very poor' based on groundwater potential index values, which will enable the local bodies for the future planning and management of the groundwater resource. Severe groundwater contamination has been found occasionally in the study area. Every year during the summer, the region is facing a lot of problems with portable groundwater. As the study area is semi-desert, the influences of salinity have been increasing day by day in the groundwater. Keywords: Groundwater, Remote Sensing, Kantli River, Satellite Images, GIS, Potential zone

Groundwater analysis using Gravity Recovery, Climate Experiment and Google Earth Engine: Bundelkhand region, India

India is one of the highest consumers of groundwater in the world. This precious resource is important for socio-economic development and it has been extremely rapidly depleting. Therefore, monitoring of groundwater storage (GWS) change is of great significance. Dependence on in-situ groundwater measurement for accurate assessment of regional-scale GWS changes is constrained, especially over extended durations, due to poor spatiotemporal coverage of in-situ measurement and uncertainty in the storage process. In present study, Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), which offers quantitative measurement of terrestrial water storage (TWS) coupled with TerraClimate data, has been used to estimate the changes in GWS from 2002 to 2017 for the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS are the processing software employed to process and analyse the satellite data. It was observed that, on average GWS, has been depleted by 112 mm during the studied period. The highest GWS fluctuation was observed in 2012(-247 mm to –60 mm); the lowest fluctuation for year 2009, (−162 mm to −43 mm). Volumetric groundwater depletion in the study area was calculated using the average GWS depletion. There is a reduction of 1,12,000 m3 groundwater per unit square kilometre area over the period of 16 years, however, 3.29 × 109 m3 in the entire studied region. Because of the rugged topography and hard rock terrain, the recharge process is poor. The population of the area increased by 24%, or by a factor of two, throughout the research period.

Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zone using Multi-criteria Decision-making Technique: A Case Study in the South-western Part of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District, Telangana, India

Abstract Groundwater which occurs beneath the earth’s surface is an important natural resource. The study area, part of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, which is a part of Musi river basin, is a hard rock terrain covering an area of 1107 sq km, part of the eastern Dharwar craton (EDC) of the southern India peninsular shield. Exploration of groundwater in this terrain is difficult because groundwater is confined to weathered and fractured layers. The present study aims to delineate groundwater potential zones using the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) technique. An integrated application of remote sensing and GIS is very effective in mapping features that provide information about groundwater potential zones using several thematic layers such as geology, soil, geomorphology, slope, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, and land use/land cover maps. The groundwater potential zones of the study area are classified into five categories, namely very high, high, medium, low, and very low and they occupied an area of 116.8, 381.29, 345.15, 149.70, and 115.42 km2 respectively. The results were validated using discharge data from existing wells in the study area, and the majority of the high-productivity wells are located in very high and high groundwater potential zones. The groundwater potential zone mapping using this model will be a very useful improving the groundwater resources of the study area.

Groundwater potential mapping in hard rock terrain using remote sensing, geospatial and aeromagnetic data

• Geospatial techniques applied in integrated water resources management. • Remote sensing data reveal groundwater recharge zones. • Aeromagnetic data have a higher depth of investigation than remote sensing data. • Integrating remote sensing and geophysical data can surpass depth probing methods. The need for water security in different regions of the world has led to the deployment of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) as decision support tools with geophysical methods. In this study, the remote sensing, geospatial and aeromagnetic data were integrated for mapping the groundwater potential at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria in West Africa. Several remote sensing and geospatial datasets (geomorphology, lineament density, slope, rainfall, land use/land cover, soil type and drainage density) were enhanced, weighted, prioritised and ranked using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Subsequently, the thematic datasets were integrated into a GIS platform to produce a groundwater potentiality zonation (GWPZ) map. Visualisation of the corrected aeromagnetic data was improved by using some image enhancement techniques (filters) to produce the magnetic anomaly maps that revealed gross and subtle subsurface features. Multiple validation of the GWPZ map was achieved using the magnetic anomalies maps, borehole groundwater potential indices (GWPI) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The GWPZ map generated was classified into three groundwater potential classes with different spatial distributions. These include moderate (60.6%), high (5.9%), and low (33.5%). The magnetic anomalies maps agreed well with the remotely sensed models through surface-subsurface lineaments superposition. The area under curve (AUC) of the ROC showed that the predictive rate of the GWPZ model was 0.73. This value suggested that the model satisfactorily predicted the groundwater potential of the study area. Thus, this present study demonstrated the relevance of geospatial and geophysical techniques for regional groundwater potential mapping at the assessment phase of integrated water resources management towards providing a better understanding of the hydrogeology for easy decision-making and better groundwater management.

Geospatial Data Analysis Using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to Delineate Groundwater Potential Zone in a Semi-arid Hard Rock Terrain

Abstract Delineation of groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) is the fundamental need to achieve sustainable development/management of groundwater resources. The hybrid approach of geospatial data analysis using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is a very potent application which can effectively delineate GWPZ. The present research is carried out with an aim to evaluate the applicability of this hybrid method towards groundwater sustainability in semi-arid hard rock terrain of South Indian shield region, Mahabubnagar district of Telangana. Geomorphology, lineament density (LD), lithology, landuse, slope, soil texture, drainage density (DD) and rainfall are used as controlling thematic variables. The derived result classified the study area into five distinct GWPZ namely, very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good GWPZ. Around 70% of the study area falls under moderate to very poor GWPZ, whereas only around 30% of the study area is falling under good to very good GWPZ. Research authenticity is carried out by comparing well yield data with GWPZ index (GWPZI). Critical parameter overall quality percentage (OQP) (81.75%) value demonstrated very good prediction accuracy.

Performance Evaluation of RBF Wells with Special Reference to Water Quality Parameters in Hard Rock Region of Tungabhadra Catchment

Tungabhadra River is the chief source for drinking water and agriculture developments in Davangere and adjoining districts of Karnataka. It is reported that the water of Tungabhadra is getting polluted by the direct / indirect effluent discharges due to which people living on the river bank are facing the problem of drinking water. River Bank Filtration (RBF) wells which will naturally treat the polluted surface and ground water have been drilled in perpendicular to the river at a distance of 30m, 50m and 80m to understand the extent of treatment of RBF wells to provide clean and safe drinking water. The present study deals with the problems of water quality in a selected village (Somlapura) located in a hard rock terrain of river Tungabhadra, Karnataka, India. As a part of the investigation, water samples were collected from River Bank Filtration wells and adjoining river and aquifers were analyzed using standard methods. Outcomes of water quality presents that the concentrations of turbidity and total coliform were lesser in the RBF well water samples when compared to Tungabhadra River water samples. The water from RBF wells contained fresh water, which is highly mineralized and free from bacterial contamination relative to the water from river. However, groundwater of the adjoining aquifers showed wide variations in various physio-chemical parameters. From the analysis, unsafe levels of total coliforms (included E.coli and F. Coli) were detected in Tungabhadra River i.e., It varied between 1680 and 3179 MPN/100 ml. It is observed that the average removal efficiency of coliform bacteria from RBF well 1 & 2 was 99.84% and 99.82% respectively.

Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS)-based high-resolution mapping of potential groundwater recharge zones on the hard rock terrains of the Cameroon volcanic line (CVL)

Groundwater is the major water reserve in the present context of global warming-related droughts that appear to be more intense in hard rock terrains. The use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies are increasingly beneficial to groundwater research, by allowing for low cost and larger-scale high-resolution mapping compared to conventional hydrogeological exploration methods. This study aimed at developing a high-resolution map of potential groundwater recharge (GWRpot) zones for the drought-stricken Banka hard rock terrain, straddling the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). Shuttle Radar Tomography Mission (SRTM)-30m and Landsat 8 satellite images constituted the main data source that was ground-truthed through field mapping and used to produce various thematic GIS layers: geology slope, aspect, land use & land cover, drainage density and lineament density of spatial resolution 16m x 16m. The layers were each attributed a fixed score and weight to groundwater recharge, computed using Multi-Influencing Factor (MIF) and Analytical Hierarchy Process of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (AHP-MCDA) techniques. Lastly, a Weighted Overlay Analysis was done using the layers to produce the GWRpot zones for the study area. The resulting map shows that 60% of the study area, covering the south, west-northwest and the north-northeast portions of the map have moderate to very high recharge potentials. This result is particularly useful for groundwater targeting in the area and demonstrates the effectiveness of the method in hard rock terrains where traditional methods have been less efficient in properly delineating groundwater recharge zones.Article highlightsGroundwater is generally the safest and most reliable source of water in water scarce environments, and forms when surface water goes into the ground.More areas where water can enter the ground means more chances of getting enough groundwater. Conventional ways of knowing these areas are time consuming and costly, whereas RS and GIS-based methods are less costly and use lesser time.We used the RS, GIS, high-resolution field mapping and statistical methods of blending several factors to produce the potential groundwater recharge zones on a part of the hardrocks of the CVL, that shows 60% of the study area, covering the south, west-northwest and the north-northeast portions of the area have moderate to very high recharge potentials.

Investigation of groundwater potential zones in hard rock terrains along EGMB, India, using remote sensing, geoelectrical and hydrological parameters

Investigation of groundwater potential zones in hard rock terrains along EGMB, India, using remote sensing, geoelectrical and hydrological parameters

Geomorphic Analysis of Baghain River, Yamuna Basin, and its Implication for Drainage Characteristic and Tectonics using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract The present study aims to access the geomorphic analysis of the Baghain river basin and its implication on landscape evolution. Baghain river originates from the Panna hill, and flows through marginal and central Ganga plain. It empties itself in to Yamuna river near Chilla village, Banda district, Uttar Pradesh. The river basin comprises of three major geological units associated with this basin: Bundelkhand gneissic complex, Vindhyan Supergroup (hard rock terrain known as Panna hill) and Alluvial deposit (marginal Ganga plain and central Ganga plain). The current work focuses on study of morphometric parameters and geomorphic indices of Baghain river basin using digital elevation model (DEM) and topographic maps (1:50,000 scale). This basin exhibits four types of drainage patterns: dendritic, parallel, trellis and rectangular. Bifurcations ratio (4.82) of river basin suggest that the most part of the basin is not influenced by any geological structures. The elongation ratio (0.50) suggests that the basin is moderately elongated. The drainage density (0.62) and stream frequency (0.22) also suggest that the basin has moderate to high permeable and easily erodible alluvium terrain. The escarpment height is low in the proximal part (Panna Hill) and high in the middle and distal parts of the basin (marginal Ganga plain and central Ganga plain, respectively. Asymmetric factor (52) shows a leftward tilt of the basin. The region lies under marginal Ganga plain, and Bundelkhand plateau. The sharp bend present is probably due to the lithological variation. It reflects moderate gradient in the upper part (Panna hill), steep gradient in the lower part (Panna hill), and low gradient in the marginal to central Ganga plain.

Morphometric Analysis of Karkala Micro Watershed, Karkala Taluk Udupi District, Karnataka India

An integrated assessment of morphometric parameters has been conducted in this study with an objective of to develop the watershed and manage the available water resources in a hard rock terrain area at Karkala Taluk, Karnataka. According to the analysis of the Karkala micro-watershed, which is classified as closed basin with third-order dendritic drainage pattern, the watershed has a dense canopy of vegetation, a low relief, minute runoff, and a high infiltration rate. Drainage patterns are not greatly affected by geological structures. The basin's elongated shape is supported by the form factor, circulation ratio, and elongation ratio numbers. The Karkala micro-watershed's longitudinal profile exhibits a sharp gradient in the initial stages that has been progressively flattening as the river has weakened. Hypsometric integral found for the Karkala micro watershed is 0.5, showing the maturity stage of the basin. Low values for drainage density and texture, stream frequency, and infiltration number suggest that permeable rocks are underling and this controls the runoff in study area. Therefore, the integrated results of the morphometric assessment at the micro watershed level would be helpful for developing and managing water resources as well as for water harvesting.

Geoinformatics based detection and delineation of paleochannels in hard rock terrain of Koel River Basin, Jharkhand, eastern India

Paleochannels evoke interest in view of their geological/tectonic history, the origin of their sediments composition, and prospecting for groundwater resources. The present study demonstrates the delineation of paleochannels in hard rocky terrain in parts of the Koel river basin in the Jharkhand state in eastern India. High-resolution optical satellite data Sentinel-2 and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 have been used to carry out the visual interpretation for the identification of paleochannels in the prospects of groundwater resources. Six major paleochannels locations were identified based on flow direction, flow accumulation, drainage, closed depression area, normalized difference water index (NDWI) (pre and post-monsoon seasons), and Topographic Wetted Index (TWI). The abandoned courses were recognizable as curvilinear or meandering segments of dry channels by using the drainage map. Pre and post-monsoon NDWI exhibited water storage zones, which were generally filled after monsoon season by rainwater along the paleochannels. TWI more than 1.3 and depression more than 30 depicted wetted zones along with the delineated paleochannels locations. Both the satellite-derived (NDWI) and digital elevation model (DEM) derived (i.e. TWI, depression area, drainage) indices indicated the presence of six major paleochannels, which were further corroborated with radar data and field-based data. Areas of low topography with dendritic drainage, depth and flow direction was studied which controls the recharge potential of groundwater and pattern were investigated where the chances of occurrence of groundwater are more. This comprehensive study concluded that satellite-based information can be useful for demarcating paleochannels over hard rocky terrains and TWI performed better compared to other parameters (NDWI, drainage, and morphometric study) as an indication of potential groundwater prospects.

Hard-rock investigation using a non-invasive geophysical approach

Investigation of a hard-rock terrain is essential for the development of engineering infrastructures and groundwater assessment. In such investigations, evaluation of rock mass quality and faults/fractures is a challenging task. Conventionally, borehole tests are conducted to acquire subsurface geological information, and rock mass quality parameters such as rock quality designation (RQD). However, such tests are expensive, slow, limited to some specific locations, require more equipment, provide point measurements, and are hardly conducted in a steep topographic terrain. Generally, the non-invasive geophysical methods, such as geoelectrical methods are performed to assess the hard-rock sites. However, such parameters alone provide ambiguity in interpreting the geological units. In this work, a joint approach of four geophysical parameters (e.g., electrical resistivity (ER), self-potential (SP), magnetic, and induced polarization (IP)) is proposed to assess a highly heterogeneous terrain for the installation of the Accelerator Driven System (ADS) facility in South China. Geophysical data were obtained via a variety of surveyed parameters along different profiles. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was integrated with borehole tests data to determine RQD for rock mass quality evaluation over the entire area. The results of magnetic interpretation were calibrated with well data to constrain the subsurface into distinct layers. ERT and magnetic coupled with Joint Profile Method (JPM) detected several localized faults/fractures. IP was integrated with ERT to distinguish between water and clay. Groundwater flow path was marked using SP. Compared with the past investigations, this novel approach deciphers functional analogous relation of RQD with ERT, magnetic, IP and SP in the hard-rock, provides thorough insights into the subsurface, removes the ambiguity caused by single geophysical parameter or the inadequate well data, and bridges the gaps between accurate geological model and the limited data for the development of engineering structures and groundwater resources.

Structural Evaluation for Groundwater Within the Crystalline Basement of Ilorin, Nigeria, Using Multisensory Data Techniques

Within the hard rock terrains, stream channels are suspected to be controlled by fractures and joints. In the same light, the topographic lineaments and the lineaments observed from the aeromagnetic anomalies are expected to reflect the structural trends within the complex. This study has therefore adopted multi-data sets results first on a regional scale to depict the structural fabric of Ilorin Sheet 223 and then at the chosen location of the University of Ilorin Main Campus, which is made up of the Basement Complex rocks. From the remote sensing map of Ilorin Sheet 223 structural trends have been divided into two: the NE-SW and the NW-SE structural trends. The aeromagnetic anomalies divide the rocks types into metamorphic (low-to-medium magnetic intensity) and igneous (high magnetic intensity) rocks. The resistivity data interpretation reveals the weathered basement at the University of Ilorin ranges from 5m to 20m. The radial sounding results reveal the structural trend to be NW-SE and NE-SW with the interconnection of joints. The radial sounding shows the rock type in the University of Ilorin Campus to be quartzitic, clayey and igneous as judged from the near hexagonal and elongated shapes of the polygons. The results reveal a good agreement between the trends of fractures derived from the radial vertical electrical sounding and that from the lineament maps. Areas with low bedrock resistivity, thick overburden, presence of two or more interconnected fractures, and high co-efficient of anisotropy indicate intense fracturing and thus, indicate areas of high groundwater potentiality and good water quality.

Mapping and Delineation of Hard Rock Aquifers in Parts of the South-western Nigeria Basement Complex Using Integrated Geophysical Techniques

Abstract: An integrated geophysical survey involving three different techniques; namely, VLF-EM, Seismic Refraction and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) has been carried out in parts of Eruwa, Ibarapa East LGA, Oyo State with a view of determining the structural characteristics of the subsurface geology and identifying suitable sites where viable borehole could be sited to reduce the problem associated with acute shortage of groundwater in the area. The area lies within the crystalline basement rock terrain of South-Western Nigeria and bounded by Latitude 7° 32' 59"N and Longitude 3° 25' 59"E. The VES results reveal that the area is made up of four major lithologic layers with the topmost layer being majorly laterites, the second layer being sandy clay, the third is weathered basement, while the fourth layer is fractured basement. The aquifer in the study area is mostly confined with curve responses of HA- and HKH-types. The 2-D pseudosection also showed that the fresh basement is very extensive laterally with undulating topography. The result of VLF-EM revealed high-amplitude anomalies. These anomalies are indicative of high conductive zones within the basement bedrock of the study area. The results of the seismic inversion reveals three lithologic layers; namely, the topmost layer / topsoil which is sandy (moderately loose) with an average velocity of 500 m/s, the middle layer can be sandy clay/laterite/caked clay with an average velocity of 1,149.33 m/s and the third layer can be said to be the beginning of the weathered/fresh basement with a velocity of 2,719 m/s. In conclusion, the three geophysical techniques have shown that the area is a hard-rock terrain with complicated geology with aquifers confined and the water bearing formation with low total longitudinal conductance. Keywords: Basement terrain, Granitic masses, Aquifer, Topography, Curve types.

Depicting of groundwater potential in hard rocks of southwestern Saudi Arabia using the vertical electrical sounding approach

In the hard rock terrains of southwestern Saudi Arabia, vertical electrical soundings (VES) were used to demarcate groundwater potential zones. To map the groundwater potential zones, 16 VES were done using a Schlumberger electrode array arrangement. Zond-IP computer software was used to analyze and interpret field measurements. The pseudo and resistivity cross-sections have been processed. The evaluation of the 1D geoelectrical curves revealed that the area is characterized by three geoelectrical resistivity layers. The topmost layer of unconsolidated alluvium deposits, which has a wide range of resistivities (42.28 to 297.97 Ω·m) and a thickness of up to 6 m, is the first of these layers. This range of resistivity is linked to changes in the layer's lithology and humidity. The second layer's resistivity values range from 372 to 3625 Ω·m, while the third layer's resistivity values range from 1015.37 to 21113 Ω·m. The second layer's resistivity implies fractured and weathered/jointed basement rocks, and the third layer's resistivity indicates broken to huge basement rocks. According to the findings, the worn and fractured horizons of basement rocks found in the vicinity are acceptable groundwater potential aquifers. The degree of weathering and fracture of the foundation rocks, and thus their water saturation, can be linked to vertical and horizontal variations in resistivity.

Characterization of Typical Complex Hydrogeological Condition of Structurally Disturbed Shear Zone Areas of Palakkad District in Western Ghats Region, Central Kerala

Aquifer characteristics and hydrogeological condition of structurally disturbed shear zone areas of Palakkad district in Western Ghats Region of Palakkad district have been studied. The study of sub-surface hydrogeological framework of aquifers up to 200 meters below ground level (m bgl) was carried out to quantify groundwater resources, water quality, hydraulic properties with an aim to evolve a sustainable aquifer management plan in consideration with the water level monitoring and exploratory drilling. The hard rock terrains have been structurally controlled by shear a zone, which facilitate to develop numerous fractures and becomes potential repositories of groundwater. The thickness of lateritization changes between 1.02 and 24.1 m. The premonsoon depth to water level varies from 1.58 to 14.20mbgl, but that of PSM in between 0.60 and 21.50 m mbgl with a fluctuation about 6m. The quantification of groundwater potential in the aquifers of consolidated formation within the shear zones and establishment of a futuristic model of aquifer management plan for the area are the highlights of the work. Keywords: Laterite, Aquifer, Potential, Management, GIS, SWOT

Appraisal of Hydrochemical Quality of Groundwater in Bamanghaty Subdivision of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India Using Geospatial Technology

Geochemical attributes of groundwater were investigated in the Bamanghaty Subdivision of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India using geospatial technology. The assessment was undertaken to depict the suitability of water for drinking and irrigation use. Geospatial technology is reliable and cost- effective to measure the quality of groundwater in Precambrian hard rock terrain. Around 14 groundwater samples were collected arbitrarily from various sources such as hand pumps, tube wells and bore wells. Major ions were analysed to understand the influence of geochemical processes on groundwater quality in the Bamanghaty subdivision. Samples were tested for pH, Electrical Conductivity, Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Sulfate, Nitrate, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and absolute hardness. Based on the results of the chemical analysis of water samples, various graphical representations were made, viz. Ionic concentration diagram, Stiffs' diagram, Permeability index diagram, Salinity hazard diagram and Piper's trilinear diagram. The chemical properties of groundwater were analysed to decipher its suitability for drinking and irrigation use. Investigation demonstrates that most of the groundwater is chemically suitable for drinking and agricultural uses. Keywords: Groundwater; Chemical Analysis; Geospatial Technology; Permeability Index; Salinity Hazard Index; Piper Diagram

Impact of Economic Assessment of Crop Production along with Agroforestry Adoption in Bundelkhand Region

Background: Bundelkhand region is far behind in the availability of soil and water both natural resources due to erratic rainfall and hard rock terrains (Tyagi, 1997). Conservation of such type of natural resources for livelihood security with a strong commitment would be the foremost challenge of the 21st century. The home of over 15.62 million humans and 8.36 million livestock, suffers from water scarcity, natural resource degradation, low crop productivity (1-1.5 Mg/ha), low rainwater use efficiency (35-45%), poor soil fertility, frequent droughts, poor irrigation facilities, inadequate vegetation cover and frequent crop failure resulting in scarcity of food, fodder and fuel (Palsaniya et al. 2008). Under such circumstances, the goal of doubling farmer’s income by the year 2022 has been dubbed as impossible and unrealistic by some experts (Gulati and Saini, 2016). Hence, this study was conducted to assess the impact of agroforestry based crop production for provide an economic feasibility as well as perfect diet. Methods: The study was conducted at Garhkundar-Dabar (GKD) watershed located between 78° 52' 39" to 78° 54' 44" E longitude and 25° 26' 23" to 25° 28' 32" N latitude with an altitude varying from 208 to 285 m above mean sea level in Bundelkhand region of central India. The net return was calculated by subtracting the cost of cultivation incurred from sowing to harvesting, for each crop from the gross return and then benefit-cost ratio was estimated by dividing the net returns with cost of cultivation. Result: The study has revealed that after watershed interventions and agroforestry based Crop cultivation, the expenses on irrigation and labour will decrease, crop productivity will improve as well as benefit-cost ratio.

Estimation of replenishable groundwater resources and their utilization status in hard rock terrain

For an efficient management and development of groundwater resources, it is imperative to have a reliable database on groundwater resources. In this regard, present study was conducted during 2015–18 in Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India. Dynamic groundwater resources of study area have been estimated by using the guidelines of the groundwater resources estimation committee (GEC-1997), Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India. In this study, rainwater infiltration factor (RIF) techniques and different conventional norms were used for groundwater recharge estimation. The assessments of groundwater units were categorized based on stage of groundwater development for the year 2016. The annual groundwater draft for all uses such as domestic and irrigation was 5931.54 ha m. The annual groundwater recharge in the study area was 8666.81 ha m and net annual groundwater availability was 8318.85 ha m. The groundwater utilization and stage of groundwater development had also been determined and the overall stage of groundwater development of Babina block was found to be 71.30%. There was no significant rise or fall of water levels during both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon intervals in the study area. Considering the stage of groundwater development, it has been categorized that Babina block of Jhansi district, a part of Bundelkhand region falls under ‘SAFE’ category of groundwater development with excellent potential for the future groundwater development.