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

• Published in: Groundwater for sustainable development 2022-05, Vol.17, p.100733, Article 100733
• Main Authors: Sahu, Uday, Wagh, Vasant, Mukate, Shrikant, Kadam, Ajaykumar, Patil, Sanjay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AHP analysis; Ajani-Jhiri watershed; GIS; Groundwater recharge potential zones; Recharge structures
• ISSN: 2352-801X; 2352-801X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100733

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 km2 (38.02%) area has high recharge potential, while 316.94 km2 (44.07%) has moderate groundwater recharge potential. The low groundwater potential recharge zone (129.35 km2; 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. [Display omitted] •Integration of hydrogeological, geospatial and MCDA techniques.•Preparation of pair-wise assessment matrices by AHP.•Identification of groundwater recharge potential zones.•Drainage controls the groundwater movement and storage of the recharge areas.•Groundwater recharge potential zones classified into high, moderate and low categories.