Groundwater Resources and its Development through Artificial Recharge in Mehsana District of Gujarat State, India

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the most valuable natural resources and supports human health, economic development and ecological diversity. Timely and reliable information on occurrence, movement and deterioration of groundwater is a pre-requisite for demanded water quantity with satisfying quality. Artificial groundwater recharge plays a vital role in sustainable management of groundwater resources. The study area has been facing severe water scarcity due to scanty precipitation and intensive agriculture during the last few years. The present study was carried out to assess groundwater resources and its development through artificial recharge in Mehsana district of Gujarat state. The result shows that the stage of groundwater development is more than 100%, so groundwater falls under over exploited category. An attempt is made to identify the artificial groundwater recharge sites using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. As per the available details pertaining to recharge structures, total 2708 structures are already in existing conditions to augment 228.46 Mm³/year water to the aquifer, while 224 suitable sites are identified through which rest 9.54 Mm³/year surface water can be recharged. The results of the study can be used to formulate an efficient groundwater management plan for sustainable utilization of limited groundwater resources.