227-Water Resource Management of Chandrabhaga River Basin, Chikaldhara Region, Amravati District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Detailed hydrogeological and hydro-geochemical investigations have been carried out for a part of Chandrabhaga river basin exposed around the Chikaldhara region, Amravati District, Maharashtra. with an aim to understand the hydro-geochemical, geophysical, geological, geomorphological and environmental control on the groundwater regime of the region. The study area is characterized by the presence of 825 m thick horizontal sequence of lava flows which can be divided in simple and compound units based on their field characters, textual parameters and geomorphic expression. Detailed study of geomorphic features and the analysis of the remotely sensed data through visual interpretation of the Chandrabhaga River basin around Chikhaldara region, Amravati District was carried out to elucidate the role of various morphometric features, geomorphic processes and structural trends in the evolution of the landscape. The results indicate the presence of seven distinctly different geomorphic units which include alluvial plain, bajada zone, moderately dissected plateau, highly dissected plateau, plateau top, structural ridge and denudational hill. Hill slopes exhibit stepped appearance with parallel retreat during pediplanation due to differential erosion of various litho units exposed in the region. The structural, denudational and alluvial landforms, on the basis of land use and land cover have been sub-divided into agriculture land, built up land, wasteland and water bodies. In addition, remote sensing techniques have been effectively utilized in identifying the potential aquifers so as to enable groundwater exploration in the region. The present investigation based on numerous topographical profiles has shown the presence of marked flat terraces at different levels indicating the present state of the cycle of erosion and landform development. The results confirm the hydrogeological and morpho-tectonic conditions, which have also helped in locating suitable aquifers for the water resource development of the region. Major element chemistry of groundwater samples from dug wells and bore wells from 100 selected sites from the Chikaldhara region has been analyzed during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods to understand the groundwater quality and its impact on the environment. Various thematic maps showing the distribution of various elements and their ration along with iso-contour maps of physico-chemical parameters have been utilized to understand the water quality management of the region. Pumping test results have highlighted the safe yield and other related parameters which have helped in improving the groundwater resource of the region. Hydro-geological and geochemical studies have thrown light on the water level fluctuations in the region with emphasis on water resource and environmental management of water quality. The results of the chemical analysis indicate that both the surface and groundwater are suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. The results of geophysical resistivity studies have thrown light on the nature of sub surface geology of the region along with groundwater potential zones. The highly fractured, amygdaloidal and weathered basaltic horizons have yielded sufficient amount of water whereas, the compact and massive portions show poor yield in the region. In this study, an attempt has been made to suggest various suitable measures for improving the groundwater potential of the area with due emphasis on water resource management. Detailed environmental analysis was carried out to understand the water level fluctuations and quality of water. In addition, suitable remedial measures were suggested for water resource development and management of the region.