Groundwater Potential Zonation using Integration of Remote Sensing and AHP/ANP Approach in North Kashmir, Western Himalaya, India
Sajad Mir, M. Sultan Bhat, Ghulam Mohammad Rather, Durdanah Mattoo
Abstract
The demand for groundwater resource estimation has increased radically attributed to the growing population and rapid urbanization. To analyze the groundwater scenario the present study aims to delineate the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ’s) using the integrated remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) based approach and AHP/ANP model in Western Himalaya. For the groundwater potentiality analysis, the thematic layers that were selected for the preparation of GWPZ map include lithology, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Topographic Position Index (TPI), slope, drainage density, lineament density, land use land cover and rainfall. The final output GWPZ map can be categorized as high (39.57%), moderate (16.23%), low (31.91%), and very low (12.29%). In light of the growing demand for groundwater, the estimated area under good groundwater capacity appears to be inadequate. As a result, the state government in general, as well as the water resources and planning departments, must develop appropriate strategies to combat the impending water scarcity. To relieve pressure on groundwater resources, the study recommends increasing the use of surface water from the sub-regional basin. With the applicability of remote sensing and GIS technology coupled the integration of AHP/ANP model the comprehensive groundwater prospecting is achieved and groundwater as quintessential resource can be harnessed and utilized as anthropogenic stresses and changing climate has accentuated the demands for water consumption.