Augmented groundwater availability by artificial recharge structures in semi-critical area in Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Artificial Recharge of aquifer systems is gaining importance as one of the strategies of water management in the context of ever growing demands of water resources. It is the process by which groundwater is augmented at a rate exceeding that of natural conditions of replenishment. Artificial recharge to groundwater through scientifically designed structures has been proven as a viable option for augmentation of groundwater resources. The analysis was performed to know the effect of artificial recharge structures on groundwater availability in semi-critical area in Chhatisgarh. The upper Kurudihnala watershed which is a small groundwater basin located in Patan block of Durg district of Chhattisgarh state has been selected for the study. The watershed boundaries, slope, soil texture maps have been generated using Geographic Information System (GIS). Land use/cover map was derived for the study watershed from satellite imageries. Artificial recharge structures in study area were found to be efficient for recharging surrounding area. It was found that artificial recharge structures increased water level by 39 % in both kharif and rabi seasons.