Water Conservation Work Research Articles

Coupling Benefit of Land Use, Land Cover Change and Soil Erosion Under Algorithmic Optimization Model

Technology realizes the quantitative and positioning acquisition of soil erosion and land use information, grasps the relationship between the two from space, and provides theoretical reference and scientific basis for local ecological environment construction and soil and water conservation work. This paper uses remote sensing images in my country in 2020 and 2021 as the data source and obtains land use data in four periods respectively. The experimental results show that the land use structure in my country has undergone great changes in 2020, and the land use type has gradually changed from a structure dominated by cultivated land, grassland, and unused land to grassland, forest land, and cultivated land. The other four types of land use area have increased to varying degrees, the unused land has decreased significantly, and the grassland and forest land have increased significantly; there are differences in the changes in the degree of land use in each study period, and the overall level of land use has developed phase by phase toward higher levels. In addition, this paper also studies the clustering algorithm in machine learning and proposes an improved interpolation algorithm for the completion of the original rainfall data. This algorithm can also be applied to the calculation process of rainfall erosion factors, which realizes the automatic calculation system of soil erosion model factors, realizes the real-time calculation and monitoring of soil erosion in the form of calculation tasks, and solves the problem that manual calculation consumes manpower and material resources.

Open-Source Design of Infiltration Trenches for Sustainable Soil and Water Conservation in Rural Areas of Central Chile

Specific algorithms are developed to solve the equations that define the physical dimensions under various conditions. In this sense, the storm index method was incorporated for the variable precipitation intensity, expanding the number of rainfall stations with the intensity duration frequency (IDF) curves from 9 to 31 within the considered territory (the Biobio Region of Central Chile). Likewise, the infiltration values and runoff coefficients necessary for calculating the dimensions of the trenches were obtained using the Python programming language. The results show that an open-source Python solution allows high reliability and efficiency based on the tests developed. For this reason, this prototype is expected to add new mathematical expressions that may arise to better account for an efficient design of soil and water conservation works or infiltration trenches. In this way, it is concluded that it is possible to develop simulation models for the efficient design of trenches based on well-defined and limited theoretical modeling, adding to computer language tools. This allows for a virtuous synergy that can help address efficient public policies to conserve soil and water in Chile and elsewhere.

Dynamic mechanism of check dams on evolution of river corridors based on UAV telemetry combined with numerical simulations

AbstractCheck dams are a critical soil and water conservation engineering measure in gullies that significantly influence erosion, transportation, and sediment accumulation. Check dams help reduce erosion in the upstream area, ignoring the off‐site erosion reduction capacity due to erosion dynamics, and it also alters the morphology of gullies. The morphology of the gully cross‐section from the head to the inlet of the gully is mainly “V” shaped, “V, U,” transitional shaped, “U” shaped and trapezoidal shaped. The construction of check dams can force the geomorphologic evolution of the sub‐watershed to accelerate the transition to “old age” and reduce the allocation of sediment initiation during field sub‐flooding, thus promoting sediment deposition processes. The percentage of downstream scour hours in watersheds where check dams were constructed was 0.65% and 0.80%, respectively, compared to 19.78% and 19.06% in watersheds where there are no check dams. The results reveal the role check dam constructions play in gully morphology evolution from a hydrodynamic perspective and fill the gaps in off‐site erosion reduction, providing theoretical support for assessing the role of check dams in soil and water conservation work.

Research Progress on Ecological Security Technology of Slope Treatment on Loess Plateau

The Loess Plateau is an important source of Eastern civilization, but also the most serious soil erosion in our country and in the world. Controlling soil erosion and improving the ecological environment are not only the needs of local social and economic development, but also the needs of long-term peace and stability of the country. Since the 1950s, large-scale soil and water conservation work has been carried out on the Loess Plateau. It has played a significant role in improving ecological environment, changing agricultural production conditions and developing rural economy. It is a very effective measure to take small watershed as a unit to conduct comprehensive management. There are 45,000 small watersheds of 6-10 km2 in the Loess Plateau, which are not only the basic units of soil and water loss, but also the units of comprehensive management. Slope is the source of runoff and sediment in small watershed, and slope treatment is an important part of comprehensive management of small watershed. Therefore, it is an urgent task to deepen the study of slope management.

Morphometric analysis of shel dedumal watershed using remote sensing remote sensing and GIS

Morphometric analysis is the measurements and mathematical analysis of the land surface configuration, shape and dimension of the landforms. The efficiency of the drainage network is very important for understanding the processes of landform formation, soil physical properties and erosion characteristics. The present study is focused on the evaluation of morphometric parameters for conversation of soil and water on delineated in the basin. Furthermore, morphometric analysis of watershed using geospatial data and GIS techniques and slope analysis were also utilized to propose the suitable soil and water conservation measures in the basin. The results obtained in the analysis revealed that the Shel Dedumal basin tributaries is an 5th order drainage basin which describe that the texture is homogeneous or homogeneity still exist and lack of structural control in soil strata. The relief ratio (R h ), the elevation difference (R h or H) and circularity ratio (R c ) was found to be 10.73, 222.0 and 0.42, respectively which represents the basin having moderate relief and gentle to moderately high slope. Some areas of the basin are characterized by variation in Lithology and topography. The mean values of bifurcation ratio (R b) observed as 4.52 and circularity ratio (R c ) observed as 0.42 of the entire basins shows a moderate but not strong structural control or structural disturbances. An extreme high value of ruggedness number (R n ) observed as 11.83 which indicate the structural complexity of the terrain. The Moderate drainage density (D d ) and circularity ratio (R c ) was observed as 2.63 and 0.42, respectively which indicates the basin is highly permeable subsoil and vegetative cover. The form factor (F f ), the elongation ratio (R e ) and circularity ratio (R c ) was observed as 0.39, 0.71 and 0.42 respectively which is indicating elongated basin with lower / flatter peak flows of longer duration than the average and also the elongation ratio (R e ) values indicating moderate to slightly steep ground slope in basin which is indicating possibility for soil erosion and other soil and water conservation works.

Application of multi-objective comprehensive optimization model of soil and water conservation based on genetic algorithm

Soil and water conservation as the focus of the development of urban construction, in the development of modern economic and technological innovation, international scholars applying artificial intelligence to construct the integrated optimization model of soil and water conservation, in order to provide effective reference for solving the problem of soil erosion, avoid the destruction of their homes by human beings rely on, really realize the goal of sustainable development. As a basic part of artificial intelligence research, genetic algorithm plays an active role in solving IP problems in combinatorial optimization. Therefore, on the basis of understanding the genetic algorithm and the research status of soil and water conservation, this paper mainly discusses the application effect of the multi-objective comprehensive optimization model of soil and water conservation with the genetic algorithm as the core. The final experimental results prove that the comprehensive optimization model constructed by RAGA accelerated genetic algorithm proposed in this paper can comprehensively improve the multi-parameter optimization ability, and has reliability and applicability characteristics in practice, which provides an effective basis for the soil and water conservation work of urban construction and development in the new era.

Performance Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Constructed Structures in Drought Prompt Areas of Satara, India

Along with the varied climate, topography, and uncertain rainfall, the ever-increasing population has resulted in lowering the groundwater level by 2 m to 3 m in many areas of the Satara district. The present work focuses on investigating the performance of the constructed structures, which are the initiatives toward the conservation of soil and water in the drought prompt areas. The work was divided into three major stages; the initial stage is about data compilation, the second stage is related to the site investigation and collection of data based on the survey requirements, and finally, the interpretation of the obtained data. From the observations obtained through the field survey and ground-level investigations, it is noted that the soil and water conservation works have made a significant impact. From the survey data, it is observed that the change in local crop patterns along with its increased yield and the lifestyle of people residing nearby highlights the usefulness of the various incorporated initiatives. In the drought prompt areas due to the implementation of such schemes, the groundwater table levels significantly increased. But on the other side, several shortfalls were noticed and reported including manual errors, climatic and seasonal reasons, and site selections based on the selected site studies. Overall suggestions for future improvements in the performance of such constructed facilities are presented through this field investigation.

Mediating Effects on Poverty Reduction in India Through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme

The employment opportunities in rural areas have signifi cantly decreased for the last few decades in India. Th erefore, Government of India introduced Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGP) to create employment opportunities for ru ral people. Th e Programme is considered as a “silver bullet” for eradicating rural poverty and unemployment in India. Th e purpose of this empirical research study is to develop a new model for poverty reduction in rural India through this Programme. Th e novelty of this article is an attempt to develop an empirical research model that assists the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme when mapping the level of economics service quality and thereby enhance the same. Th is Programme provides an alternative source of livelihood, which will have an impact on reducing migration, restricting child labor, alleviating poverty, and making villages self-sustaining through productive assets creation such as road construction, cleaning up of water tanks, soil and water conservation work, etc. for which it has been considered as the largest anti-poverty programme in the world. Th e paper critically examines the implementation process of this Programme and its impact on tribal livelihoods. Th e following research methodology is used in the article: the data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Th e sampling procedure used for this study is stratifi ed random sampling. Th e stratifi cation is done based on the Taluks are Kumbakonam (Th anjavur District), Keeranur (Pudukottai District) and Nagappatinam (Nagappatinam District) of Tamilnadu state of South-India for the nature of region South, East, Centre, West and North while selecting the MGNREGP Employees from each category, non-probabilistic convenience and judgmental sampling technique is used. Th e fi ndings and conclusions of the study reveal that millions of rural poor with the inclusion of new works under this Programme could able to get some employment which supports their livelihoods. Eff orts are exerted to improve more transparency and accountability in implementing this programme to ensure that the benefi ts reach out to the poor and the needy villagers. Th e regression analysis revealed that the Poverty Eradication on the various dimensions of Economic Development, infl uenced Economic Development followed by Social Development. Th e visual representation of results suggest that the relationships between the dimensions of Economic Development, Social development resulted in a signifi cant impact on the mediated factor ‘Poverty Eradication’. Th e paper suggests the policy framework for the stakeholders in eff ective implementation of the Programme.

Role of MGNAREGA in Employment generation and poverty alleviation in Himachal Pradesh

Rural development has been a crucial issue for states with large number of rural population as various programmes has been launched for the development of poor and marginal people living in rural areas. One of them is Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It is considered as a “Silver Bullet” for eradicating rural poverty and unemployment, by way of generating demand for productive labour force in villages. It provides an alternative source of livelihood which will have an impact on reducing migration, alleviating poverty, and making villages self-sustaining through productive assets creation such as road construction, cleaning up of water tanks, soil and water conservation work, etc. For which it has been considered as the largest anti-poverty programme in India. The present study has been carried out with the objective to assess the role of MGNREGA in employment generation and to know about its physical and financial progress in Himachal Pradesh. For this purpose secondary data has been used. The study concludes that no doubt that MGNAREGA is emerged as a flagship programme for alleviation of poverty by employment generation but there are some draw backs. The Government should take appropriate steps in order to remove its drawbacks and to make it more beneficial for rural people.

Trend analysis of ground water recharge in Tikamgarh district of Bundelkhand using geospatial technology

Efficacy of soil and water conservation works are generally adjudged on the basis of changes in water level and reduction in soil erosion. A study of 20 years was conducted in Tikamgarh district of Bundelkhand region in which groundwater recharge was quantified and compared for pre project (Phase-1) and post project (Phase-2) periods on the basis of the average values. The trends in rate of change in groundwater recharge during pre and post phase were also worked out. Records of 100 Permanent Observation Wells were used to identify the trend of declining / rising water levels results in rising trend in about two thirds areas. Non parametric Mann-Kendall test yields rising trend in Phase-2 in 65 percent area and magnitude of Sen’s slope revealed higher positive magnitude upto 0.025.

Sustainable Development through the Soil and Water Conservation Work: A Case Study of Village in Maharashtra

It’s not possible to have relied on the large irrigation programmes only to solve Maharashtra’s recurring and acute water scarcity. In recent years, the state has recognized soil and water conservation activities as a potential option for agricultural development in rainfed, semi-arid areas. Further government has clubbed all the schemes regarding soil and water conservation run by different departments of the state government under the umbrella of Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan. The results revealed that the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan activities had a significant impact on groundwater recharge, access to groundwater and hence the expansion in irrigated area. It has been found to alter crop patterns, increase crop yields and crop diversification and thereby provided enhanced employment and farm income. Local villagers were at the forefront of the programme, not just in decision- making, but also in actual execution and monetary contributions. In a nutshell Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan has not resulted in physical output but it gave support to the ecological and socio-economic progress of the beneficiaries. Looking at all the above results, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan seemed to be one of the basic strategy for doubling the farmer’s income in rainfed and semi-arid regions of Maharashtra

Remote Sensing and GIS Based Potential Landslide Hazard Zonation in Ambo Woreda: Central Ethiopia

Landslide hazard is becoming a serious problem in many parts of the world because of its frequent occurrence and related effects it is causing to human and properties. Areas of high altitude and steep slopes were susceptible to landslide hazards depending on their soil type, geology, land use/ land cover, proximity to road and streams, aspects, seismic level and ground water level variation. Even though there are problems related to landslide hazards in the region where Ambo woreda is located, there was significant landslide related scientific studies conducted in the area. The current study was aimed to prepare landslide hazard zonation map for Ambo Woreda based on landslide hazard causal factors including spatial rainfall distribution, local geology, slope, elevation, aspect, soil type, LULC, distance from stream and land slide inventory data based on Geographical Information System and remote sensing techniques. As a result 921 polygons covered an area of 32.9km 2 (3.43%) of the total study area was found with past landslide hazards. Past landslide hazard areas were studied to investigate the contribution of each landslide causing factors and to map the potential landslide hazard zones of Ambo woreda. Consequently the study area was categorized in to four levels of Potential Landslide Hazard Zones termed as very high, high, moderate, low and very low. The total area of about 959.7km 2 , was classified as 14.7%, 53.28%, 23.43%, 4.99% and 3.6% among the very high, high, moderate, low and very low potential landslide hazard zones respectively. The presence of very high and high potential landslide hazard levels in wider area of Ambo woreda can be used as a warning message for local planners and the community to urgently plan for the reduction of potential landslide disaster risk reduction using various practices such as intensive soil and water conservation works and enhancing landslide disaster preparedness activities. Keywords: Landslide Hazard, Landslide hazard zonation, Potential landslide hazard DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-2-03 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Analyzing the contributions of climate change and human activities on runoff in the Northeast Tibet Plateau

RegionThe Nagqu River Basin in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. FocusClimate change and human activities have altered the type of land use in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), which has affected the variation laws of water resources. We calibrated and verified the Water and Energy Transfer Process for a Large basin model (WEP-L), and calculated the impacts of climate change and human activities on runoff change and separated the impact of land use. New hydrological insightsThe Archimedean Copula function was used to diagnose the variance between precipitation and runoff. The contribution of climate change to the runoff in the Dasa and Jiayuqiao subbasin was 81.7% and 71.5%, of which the contribution of land use was 39.3% and 32.6%, respectively. Human activities contributing to the runoff in the Dasa and Jiayuqiao subbasins were 18.3% and 28.5%, of which the contribution of land use is 7.9% and 2.8%, respectively. Climate change has led to the melting of glaciers, permanent permafrost and the shift of the vertical distribution of vegetation, which is the main reason for the runoff variation in the NRB. This research provides a scientific basis for the rational protection and utilization of water resources, as well as soil and water conservation work.

Application of UAV and ArcGIS in Soil and Water Conservation Monitoring of slag area—Taking a slag area of hydroelectric power station in Dadu River as an example

In the process of slag area in hydropower projects, the ground will be disturbed strongly, and a large amount of spoil slag will be generated, resulting in serious soil erosion. Therefore, the monitoring of soil and water conservation in the slag area of hydropower projects is particularly important. Tradition al ground monitoring cannot fully meet the needs of current monitoring work. UAV technology is more efficient than traditional technology,. Through periodic aerial photography and post-modeling, combining with ArcGIS, provides enhanced data analysis support for UAV data analysis. Taking the 1# slag yard of a hydropower station in Dadu River as an example, this paper discusses the applicability of UAV and ArcGIS technology in soil and water conservation monitoring of large hydropower project slag area. The effective way of maintaining information, while improving the monitoring efficiency of soil and water conservation, can ensure that the monitoring data and the Soil erosion error control are within 10%, making up for the traditional technical ways that is insufficient in the monitoring of soil and water conservation in the large-scale hydropower project slag yard.In recent years, the state has paid more and more attention to the construction of ecological civilization. As an important part of ecological civilization construction, soil and water conservation work has become more and more important. As an important part of soil and water conservation work, soil and water conservation monitoring is the basis for ecological restoration and comprehensive management of soil and water conservation, and is a powerful guarantee for national ecological construction decision-making [1]. In recent years, the application of remote sensing technology for UAVs is for production and construction. The project of soil and water conservation monitoring work provides a new technical way [2-4]. UAV operation has high automation and precision, and it is targeted. Some models have reached the application-level standards, and with the rapid progress of software and hardware technology, it is greatly improving the post-processing applicability of aerial image data, making drones widely used in aerial photography, agriculture, plant protection and monitoring. Torres-Sánchez et al [5], Francisco et al [6] use low-altitude high-resolution drone remote sensing imagery to carry out on precision agriculture and agricultural pest control. Mitch Bryson et al. [7] used low-altitude visible drone images to study vegetation type classification based on vegetation color and texture characteristics. Sebastian d’Oleire—Oltmanns et al. [8] used high-altitude drone aerial imagery to complete the monitoring of soil erosion in Morocco, providing a reference for soil and water.

137Cs-Based Variation of Soil Erosion in Vertical Zones of a Small Catchment in Southwestern China.

The study of the variability of soil erosion in mountainous areas provides the basis for soil and water conservation work and forest ecological construction in a targeted way. In this study, Liangshan Town catchment, a typical catchment in the Hengduan Mountains region, southwest China, was selected to investigate the variation of soil erosion in different vertical zones using the 137Cs tracing technique. The mean 137Cs reference inventories varied between 573.51 and 705.54 Bq/m2, with the elevation increasing from 1600 to 2600 m. The rates of soil erosion exhibited a significant variation. Under the same land cover condition, the average annual soil erosion modulus of high-elevation forest (elevation > 2200 m) was 400.3 t/(km2·a). However, the average annual soil erosion modulus of a low-elevation sparse forest (elevation < 1600 m) was as high as 1756 t/(km2·a). The average annual soil erosion modulus of the sloping farmland, mainly distributed at elevations of 1600–2200 m, was estimated to be 2771 t/(km2·a). These results indicate that effective soil management measures need to be implemented on the cultivated sloping land in the future.

Experimental study on the physical modeling of loess tunnel-erosion rate

Loess tunnel erosion is a distinctive soil erosion pattern that commonly occurs in collapsible loess areas. The resulting soil erosion is a serious and complex problem. At present, most of the research methods on loess tunnel erosion are based on field investigation, and the knowledge obtained is, therefore, mostly qualitative. Erosion characteristics and erosion rates of loess tunnels are rarely revealed quantitatively by laboratory physical modeling or field investigation. In this paper, we report the results of a small model test based on three types of archetypal geological structures that are recognized by field investigation, i.e., vertical fractures, horizontal fractures, and round holes, These results reveal the effect of different initial flow cross sections on the erosion characteristics of loess tunnels. We found that, where water crosses an area of loess, waterfalls dominate initial erosion. We also studied the mud erosion rate to quantitatively reveal tunnel-erosion rates and their variation with time and found that tunnel erosion occurs in three stages: a rapid-erosion stage, an erosion slow-down stage, and a slow uniform-erosion stage. Using a model test to undertake quantitative studies into the relationship between the erosion rate of a loess tunnel and both initial dry density and initial water content, we demonstrated a significant linear negative correlation between these parameters. Through physical simulations combined with field investigation and analysis of survey results, we found that the erosion of loess tunnels occurs with a certain periodicity and that the tunnel-erosion base level plays a decisive role in the erosional features and final morphology of loess tunnels. By increasing our understanding of the internal mechanisms of loess tunnel erosion, our work will contribute to the prevention of cave erosion and reduction in the risks of associated disasters in the Loess Plateau of the Yellow River in China and in other loess-containing areas around the world. Our studies also provide a theoretical basis for carrying out soil and water conservation work in similar areas.

Runoff and sediment variation in the areas with high and coarse sediment yield of the middle Yellow River

Massive water and soil conservation works (WSCW) have been conducted in the areas with high and coarse sediment yield of the middle Yellow River since 1982. With the impending effects of climate change, it is necessary to reconsider the effects of WSCW on runoff and sediment variation at decadal and regional scales. Using long-term official and synthesized data, the WSCW impacts on reducing water and soil loss were studied in Sanchuanhe River watershed. Results showed that the sediment and runoff generated from this area showed a decreasing trend in the past 50 years. A great progress has been achieved in erosion control since the 1970s. After the 4 soil and water conservation harnessing stages during the period from 1970 to 2006, the sediment and runoff yield showed decreases with the extension of harnessing. The results revealed that human activities exerted the largest effects on the sediment reduction and explained 66.6% of the variation in the specific sediment yield. The contribution of rainfall variation to runoff reduction was as large as human activities. A great benefit have been obtained in water and soil loss control in this area.

Effects of water and soil conservation works on runoff and sediment variation in the areas with high and coarse sediment yield of the middle Yellow River

The areas with high and coarse sediment yield of the middle Yellow River is well known for its severe erosion, high sediment yields. Since 1982 when the 8 key soil and water conservation harnessing regions has been built, the ecological environment has been gradually improved and the amount of sediment and runoff entering the Yellow River has been reduced continuously. Some researchers considered that it was owing to the water and soil conservation works (WSCW), while others believed that it was caused by the rainfall variation, but this has not been quantified for the effect respectively. This paper deals with the effects of WSCW on runoff and sediment variation. The study has been carried out in the Sanchuanhe River watershed, where was listed as one of the 8 key soil and water conservation harnessing regions. The results show that the contribution rate of human activities was 80.2% after 1st harnessing stage (1970-1979), 43.0% after 2nd harnessing stage (1980-1989), in 3rd harnessing stage (1990-1996) it reached 98.4%, and was 44.8% after 4th harnessing stage (1997-2006). With regard to the influence on runoff reduction in the watershed, the contribution rate of human activities was 62.5% compared with the natural factors after 1st harnessing stage (1970-1979), 28.4% after 2nd harnessing stage (1980-1989), in 3rd harnessing stage (1990-1996) it reached 69.6%, and was 37.0% after 4th harnessing stage (1997-2006). The results revealed that human activities exerted the largest effects on the sediment reduction and explained 66.6% of the variation in the specific sediment yield. This study suggests that a combination of human activities and rainfall variation effectively reduces runoff and sediment delivery of the Loess Plateau. Generally The runoff reduction and contribution of rainfall variation to runoff reduction in this area were as large as human activities. After many years' harnessing the great benefit have been obtained in water and soil loss control in this watershed.

The centennial of the first erosion plots

T his past year marked the centennial of the nation's first soil erosion research plots, established in 1917 at the University of Missouri. These first plots were the germ from which modern soil and water conservation work developed. Professor Merritt Finley Miller and his friend Hugh Hammond Bennett were pioneers blazing the way for new work in soil conservation. Miller and other University of Missouri researchers' work with the first erosion plots brought to light that cultivation of sloping land results in large losses of soil and opened a practical way of slowing these losses through cropping methods. Bennett enlarged the work started in Missouri and passionately carried on the story to the American public with a conviction that the assets of a great agricultural nation were rapidly diminishing and would continue to do so if adequate control measures were not initiated (Baver 1939). Studies at the first erosion plots contributed to early arguments in favor of the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service and served as a basis for the development of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Because of the historical significance of the work done on the plots, the plots were designated as a registered national historic landmark…

Effect of water storage structures on groundwater recharge in India

Soil and water conservation works were taken up in Bajni watershed in Bundelkhand region of India. Two water storage structures, viz. Dharam talaiya and percolation pond were monitored daily for six years to assess their effect on groundwater recharge. Forty observation wells, well distributed around the two water harvesting structures were monitored fortnightly for the below-groundwater levels. Water from fifteen wells were sampled before and after monsoon for analysis of chemical properties. Results were used to develop chemical fingerprints of the groundwater quality. Potential recharge characteristics of the water harvesting structures were computed using the storage volume fluctuation technique. Perusal of data reveals that water table declined by a minimum of 3–4m during six years, due to droughts (2004-07) and excessive withdrawal of groundwater for drinking and irrigation. The amount of rainfall required to trigger 1mm recharge was determined as 90.2 and 260.2mm in Dharam talaiya and the percolation pond, respectively. The data revealed the recharge efficacy and design efficiency of both storage structures. While Dharam talaiya has a better recharge efficacy, the percolation pond was better designed. The groundwater of the region belongs to the class: Ca-HCO3 – shallow fresh water during pre-monsoon and to the mixed category of Ca-Na-HCO3 during post monsoon as indicated by factor analysis, and Piper tri-linear and Gibb's plots. All wells seem to belong to same aquifer as corroborated from chemical fingerprinting, however the transmissivity is low. Groundwater is suitable for irrigation as residual sodium carbonate is within the threshold limits. Further, there is an improvement in groundwater quality, more so during high rainfall due to recharge, which confirms the connectivity of the aquifer.