GIS based prioritization of artificial recharge zone

Abstract

Artificial recharge is the process by which infiltration of the surface water into the groundwater storage is enhanced by artificial mean. In the present study open source GIS software has been used for identification of suitable artificial recharge zones in Bina river watershed. The weighted index overlay model has been developed for selection of suitable zones for artificial recharge. Six themes namely, geology, soils, topography, soil erosion, groundwater fluctuation and water table rise due to rainfall have been considered. The prioritization map for taking up the artificial recharge activities in the watershed has been prepared and classified in different priority categories. About 10% of the total geographical area of the watershed has been identified as high to very high priority zones and 21% area with moderate priority for artificial recharge. It is also found that around 69 % of the total geographic area of the Bina river basin fall under low priority for artificial recharge.