Applications of geospatial analysis and analytical hierarchy process to identify the groundwater recharge potential zones and suitable recharge structures in the Ajani-Jhiri watershed of north Maharashtra, India

The present study undertakes the integration of hydrogeological, geospatial and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques to identify groundwater recharge potential zones and suitable recharge structures in parts of the Ajani-Jhiri watershed of the Tapi river basin, north Maharashtra, India. Hydrogeological thematic layers include drainage density, lineament density, geology, geomorphology, land use/landcover, soil and slope, which are the demarcating factors in identification of potential recharge sites of the watershed. An analytical hierarchy process model based on MCDA methodologies was adapted to determine the overall weightage distribution for individual layers for weighted overlay to be executed in GIS environment. Groundwater recharges potential zones are divided into high, moderate, and low classes. Results showed that only 272.72 km(2) (38.02%) area has high recharge potential, while 316.94 km(2) (44.07%) has moderate groundwater recharge potential. The low groundwater potential recharge zone (129.35 km(2); 17.98%) is located in the southern part of the watershed, which is mountainous terrain. Locations of new recharge structures, including six stream bunds, five check dams and two percolation tanks are recommended to meet the regional domestic and agricultural needs. The water bodies in the region are partially silted with loose materials, hence three desiltation tanks proposed.

Automated summary

This study integrates hydrogeological, geospatial, and multi-criteria decision analysis techniques to identify groundwater recharge potential zones in parts of the Tapi river basin in north Maharashtra, India. The results divide the potential zones into high, moderate, and low classes, with recommendations for new recharge structures to meet regional water needs.