An approach to demarcate prospective areas for groundwater recharge a case study of Upper Thurinjalar Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

India, as the world's largest consumer of groundwater, faces an alarming water crisis, particularly in southern regions like Upper Thurinjalar, Tamil Nadu. The relentless extraction of groundwater has severely depleted reserves, making it increasingly difficult to meet the water demands of households, agriculture, and industry. This unsustainable usage endangers the region's water security, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable management practices. Immediate action is essential to safeguard these vital resources and secure a sustainable water future for the region. The present study addresses the critical need to identify optimal groundwater recharge areas to mitigate the adverse effects of groundwater depletion. Utilizing Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this research focuses on delineating suitable recharge zones in Upper Thurinjalar, Tamil Nadu, to promote sustainable water resource management. Through geospatial analysis, thematic maps were generated, incorporating variables such as geomorphology, geology, subsurface lithology, lineaments, land use, drainage density, soil types, and slope. Utilizing satellite data within the GIS framework, groundwater recharge zones were classified into three categories: highly suitable (61.06 km²), moderately suitable (214.18 km²), and least suitable (48.07 km²). Additionally, prioritized interventions for 18 rural reservoirs within the same catchment area included sediment removal, depth enhancement, and infrastructure upgrades. The application of artificial groundwater recharge in these targeted areas is anticipated to significantly alleviate irrigation water deficits, thereby advancing sustainable development and rehabilitating degraded land. The use of a weighted overlay technique within Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has proven to be a highly effective method for optimizing water resource management, facilitating the sustainable development of groundwater resources. The results emphasize the importance of promptly undertaking focused interventions, such as prioritizing tank improvements and deploying artificial recharge procedures, in order to guarantee the long-term availability of water. Implementing these proactive measures is essential for reducing water scarcity and promoting the development of unused land in the designated recharge areas.