In semi-arid coastal urban regions, groundwater faces challenges from seawater intrusion due to reduced recharge and increased extraction. This study employs advanced numerical modeling to comprehensively assess seawater intrusion along the South Chennai coast from 2018 to 2022. The inverse modelling approach utilizes observed data, such as groundwater heads or concentrations, to estimate aquifer properties, like hydraulic conductivity, by minimizing the disparity between model predictions and actual measurements to identify the best-fit parameter values. This inverse method forecasts the necessary recharge rate to address seawater intrusion by increasing groundwater head and decreasing chloride concentrations. The estimation of recharge incorporates variables such as rainfall, soil infiltration capacity, land use, and the vital groundwater draft calculated based on per capita consumption and population. The study uses FEFLOW software to develop a robust conceptual model, simulating groundwater flow and chloride transport. The inverse modeling approach resulted in critical recharge adjustments, enhancing rates by 40%–60% in specific regions. The predictive scenarios, integrating proposed recharge structures, show promising results, notably with a 50% reduction in chloride concentration during the post-monsoon season compared to the pre-monsoon period in wells 8 and 3. A notable decrease in chloride concentration of over 90% was observed during May 2025 in well no: 15 due to its proximity to the Adayar River. These fluctuations are influenced by seasonal variations resulting from climatic changes in South India, with intense rainfall accompanying northeast monsoon winds playing a significant role. Increased recharge rates and strategically placed structures along the Buckingham Canal provide significant relief in the most impacted northern coastal area, acting as effective barriers. These interventions successfully reduce chloride concentration, providing a sustainable and effective solution to mitigate the persistent challenge of seawater intrusion.
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