Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones Using GIS Techniques in East Karbi Anglong District, Assam, India

Abstract

Concept: Over exploitation of groundwater and remarkable changes in climatic history over the years have posed immense pressure on the global groundwater resources. The need of potable water enhanced across the globe for human consumption, industrial purpose, irrigation, agricultural activities. With the increased use of groundwater for various purposes, there is a need to evaluate the groundwater potentiality and productivity of aquifers. Objective: Due to expanding population and its use for different purpose, the district has experienced groundwater issues lowering its potentiality. Therefore, the present study aims to develop the objective of delineation of groundwater potential zones in East Karbi Anglong district. Methods: Thematic layers such as Geomorphology, Soil, Slope, Drainage Density, Rainfall, were prepared and studied for demarcation of groundwater potential zone using Weighted Overlay Analysis. In the present scenario, remote sensing and GIS have gained much more prominence in the groundwater exploration. The thematic parameters were then verified with depth to groundwater level. Results: The groundwater potential zone map thus, obtained was categorized under very low, low, moderate, high and very high categories. The study reveals that maximum areas under groundwater potential zones are occupied under low, moderate and high including 2295 sq km, 4313 sq km and 549 sq km area respectively. The accuracy assessment analysis shows 85% indicating good accuracy using Kappa coefficient. Conclusion: The district has moderate groundwater potential representing moderate groundwater recharge due to hilly terrain. The groundwater potential zone map provides a future plan to the decision makers in order to appropriate proper planning, development and management of groundwater for urban and other agricultural purposes.