In the heart of India’s northeastern region, the city of Guwahati is on the brink of a transformative expansion, and with it, a pressing need for sustainable water management. As urban growth surges, so does the demand for groundwater, particularly in the dry seasons. A recent study published in Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, which translates to Nature, Environment and Pollution Control Technology, offers a beacon of hope for planners and policymakers grappling with this challenge. The research, led by Rakesh Kumar Sarmah and Santanu Sarma, delves into the delineation of potential groundwater zones using advanced GIS-based techniques, providing a roadmap for the city’s southwestern fringe.
The southwestern fringe of Guwahati, encompassing the administrative blocks of Rani and Chayani Barduar, is a vast expanse of unsettled agricultural land. The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has earmarked this area for future township development, making the identification of groundwater potential zones crucial for sustainable urban planning. “The rapid urbanization in Guwahati has led to significant groundwater scarcity, especially during the dry seasons,” explains lead author Rakesh Kumar Sarmah. “Our study aims to address this issue by identifying areas with high groundwater potential, ensuring sustainable water management for future developments.”
The researchers employed a multi-criteria decision-making technique using a Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) within a Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. This sophisticated approach integrated eight thematic layers critical for groundwater recharge: lithology, geomorphology, slope, rainfall, lineament density, soil, drainage density, and Land Use Land Cover. These layers were meticulously prepared using satellite data, fieldwork, and other suitable techniques, providing a comprehensive overview of the study area’s hydrological characteristics.
The study area was classified into five groundwater potential zones: very high, high, moderate, poor, and very poor. The results revealed that 42.52% of the area falls under the very high potential zone, followed by 28.67% in the high potential zone. This classification offers a clear guide for urban planners and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions about future development strategies.
The validation of the results using a yield map derived from the exploratory wells of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) showed strong agreement with the prediction accuracy, boasting an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 73.36%. Furthermore, field-derived water level data exhibited a high negative correlation (R2 = 0.71) with yield data, indicating a high specific yield in wells with shallow water levels. “The strong correlation between our predictions and actual data underscores the reliability of our methodology,” adds co-author Santanu Sarma. “This validation is crucial for gaining the trust of stakeholders and ensuring the practical application of our findings.”
The implications of this research extend beyond Guwahati, offering a replicable model for other urban centers grappling with groundwater scarcity. As cities worldwide face the dual challenges of urban expansion and water management, the integration of GIS-based techniques and FAHP presents a promising solution. This approach not only aids in identifying potential groundwater zones but also promotes sustainable urban development, ensuring that the energy sector’s water demands are met without compromising future generations’ needs.
For the energy sector, the delineation of groundwater potential zones is particularly significant. The sector’s operations, from power generation to extraction processes, are heavily reliant on water. By identifying areas with high groundwater potential, energy companies can strategically plan their operations, minimizing water stress and enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, the integration of GIS-based techniques allows for real-time monitoring and management of groundwater resources, enabling proactive decision-making and risk mitigation.
As Guwahati stands on the cusp of a new era of urban development, the insights provided by this research are invaluable. By harnessing the power of GIS and FAHP, the city can chart a sustainable path forward, balancing urban growth with responsible water management. The study, published in Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, serves as a testament to the transformative potential of technology in addressing real-world challenges, paving the way for a water-secure future.