“DELINEATION OF GROUND WATER RECHARGE POTENTIAL ZONES OF CHITWAN DISTRICT”
Date
2023-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IOE Pulchowk Campus
Abstract
This research analyzes the ground water recharge potential and identifies the high ground water
recharge potential zones in Chitwan district. The calculation and estimation of groundwater
recharge is the way to understand the groundwater reservoir and forecast its potential
accessibility. The main objective of this study is to assess the groundwater recharge and its
controlling factors at Chitwan District included as Rapti and Narayani catchment basin.
Groundwater recharge process is crucial for maintaining the water balance in an area and
securing sustainable water supply for drinking, agriculture and industrial purposes and it is also
very necessary for the management of both surface and subsurface water resources. Our study
uses the application of analytical hierarchical process (AHP) on geospatial analysis for the
exploration of potential zones for artificial groundwater recharge. Various aspects of earth
surface features such as geology, geomorphology, soil types, land use and land cover, slope,
aspect, precipitation, population density, elevation etc. are taken in consideration that influence
the groundwater recharge in either direct or indirect way. These thematic layers are prepared
and extracted using population data, Landsat 8 image, topographical map, and various other
data sources. Weighted analysis and union of data obtained is used for formation of recharge
map in this study. A pair-wise matrix analytical method is used to calculate the geometric mean
and normalized weight of individual parameters also known as AHP analysis. Further, the
normalized weighted layers are mathematically overlaid for preparation of groundwater
recharge potential zone map. The results reveals that around 133.17 sq. km (6%) of total area
has been identified as high potential zone for groundwater recharge. The forest areas in central
part and south western part have high potential for groundwater recharge. Hilly and mountain
terrains in north Mahabharata range are considered as unsuitable zone with very low
groundwater recharge potential.
Description
In the world scenario, some region, have abundant groundwater resources, while others are
experiencing significant challenges due to overuse, contamination, or other issues. According to
the United Nations, more than two billion people currently living in the countries experiencing
high water stress, and by 2050, about five billion people could be affected
Keywords
Groundwater, Potential