Planning for replenishing the depleted groundwater in upper Gangetic plains using RS and GIS

Over-exploitation of groundwater results continuous lowering of water table and consequent decline in well yield, it calls for study the hydro-geomarphological properties to control the water table decline. To address such issues, Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) contour maps of depth to water table were prepared, for the years 1983 and 2002, to assess the decline of water table in different development blocks of Ganga-Ramganga interbasin, comprising 49 blocks of Uttar Pradesh. Water table decline during the period of 20 years (1983–2002) was observed upto 9 m in few blocks. In order to investigate the reasons of water table decline, Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) were employed to delineate different landforms from the recent satellite imageries (IRS-ID) and it was correlated with identified water table decline. Comprehensive and proper groundwater recharge plan for the identified landforms with their prevailing geomorphic features in the study area have been suggested to maintain the groundwater at a safe and desired level in future in the Ganga-Ramganga interbasin.