Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India

Abstract

study was conducted in eight districts, viz., Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala and Sangrur in south-western part of the Punjab, India to characterize aquifer strata by preparing a fence diagram depicting sub-surface strata and distribution of groundwater quality. The sub-surface lithology drilled upto a depth of 60 m reveal the presence of top most layer of impervious strata comprising of clay upto the depth of 2 m to 5 m which impedes the percolation of surface runoff into the soil leading to surface flooding and water logging even in areas having saturated zone beyond the depth of 5 m. Thick pervious strata of 45 m to 50 m thickness is encountered in central and south-sentral part of the study area comprising of Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa districts which at certain places are separated by one or two thin layers of impervious or semi-pervious strata comprising of clay and sand occasionally associated with “kankar” of thickness ranging between 2 m to 5 m. The northern, western and eastern parts, however, exhibit three to four layered pervious zones ranging in thickness from 5 m to 25 m separated by thin layers of impervious and semi pervious strata. The groundwater quality in about 6% of the study area in eight districts is fit, 18% is marginal and 76% is unfit for irrigation purpose.