Himalayan Geology, Vol. 39 (2), 2018, pp. 212-222, Printed in India
Groundwater study in eastern Dehradun valley and adjoining areas using remote sensing and GIS observations
RIZWAN AHMAD1, PANKAJ CHAUHAN2*, S.K. SRIVASTAVA3
1Department of Earth Sciences, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Mai Nefhi P.O.12676 Asmara, Eritrea
2Centre for Glaciology, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun 248001, India
3Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organization, Dehradun 248001, India
*Email (Corresponding author): pchauhan1008@gmail.com
Abstract: The present study aims at understanding the prospective groundwater zones in eastern Dehradun valley and its surroundings region based on integrated remote sensing and field data. High- Panchromatic (PAN) and medium- Linear Image Self Scanning (LISS) - III resolution data from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) have been used to understand the process of occurrence and movement of groundwater, parameters such as lithology/rock types, structures, land cover, drainage density were interpreted on satellite images in conjunction with field data. Well data have been collected for the post monsoon season from different government departments of the Uttarakhand state and it has been validated on field. Based on Well data, different maps like static water table, aquifer thickness, well discharge, well specific capacity and well yield factor were generated. Subsequently, all the remotely and field acquired layers were integrated in the GIS environment using index overlay method. The weights/ scores to different parameters and themes have been assigned depending upon their importance. As an outcome, groundwater prospect map of the study area is prepared. The results show that the groundwater prospective zones are essentially located in the inter-montane Doon valley, especially in the lower part under semi confined to confined conditions. Productive aquifers in the study area are mostly confined to the lower part of Doon valley fan and to the active flood or alluvial plains of major rivers i.e., Song and Jakhan Rao wherein the groundwater mainly occurs in unconfined and semi-confined conditions. It indicates that the groundwater flow is towards the song river in the lower Doon valley fan and later towards the river Ganga. Thus, results clearly present the groundwater behavior of the study area which may form valuable input for researchers and planners in the context of future planning and strategy for water resource management.
Keywords: Remote Sensing, GIS, Groundwater Potentials, Eastern Doon valley.
