Author(s): Akanksha Soni; Balaji Narasimhan; Venkatraman Srinivasan
Linked Author(s): Balaji Narasimhan
Keywords: Managed aquifer recharge Groundwater potential AHP Overlay analysis GIS & Remote sensing
Abstract: The most valuable, essential natural resource on earth is water, a life support system for humans and all living beings on the earth's surface. Groundwater is a renewable natural resource essential for life and a vital component of the global hydrological cycle. This study aims to understand the suitability of locating managed aquifer recharge structures in the Tamirabharani river basin of southern Tamil Nadu. The satellite and conventional datasets with field inference have been used to derive different thematic information about the study region. The analytical hierarchical process tool has been used to derive the normalized weights for various features. Further, the potential groundwater recharge zones have been identified, and they were categorized as Good, Moderate, and Poor. The suggestion for artificial recharge structures (check dam, percolation ponds, ditches, and furrows) were chosen by considering the feasibility based on soil, slope, geology, and land use land cover conditions. The study suggested 25 sites for managed aquifer recharge to encourage groundwater recharge in the basin. The results of this will help decision-makers plan and manage the development of water resources more effectively. Overall, the integrated remote sensing and geospatial approaches are helpful and effective tools for planning and enhancing groundwater recharge at the basin scale.
Year: 2025