Mapping for groundwater recharge potential zones in Chhattisgarh using GIS and remote sensing

Assessing the potential zone of groundwater recharge is extremely important for the protection of water quality and the management of groundwater systems. Using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques, suitable sites were identifed for artifcial recharge in the study area of Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh state. Integration of six thematic maps such as soil map, geology map, land use/land cover, slope, lineament map, drainage map gave good indication about the areas suitable for groundwater exploration. The study area was classifed into three categories viz. most suitable, moderately suitable and less suitable groundwater recharge potential zones. Remote sensing technology appeared to be a good tool in mapping such geological features related to artifcial recharge due to its multispectral photo capturing capacity and repeativity coverage, where as, GIS technology helprd, in storing, archiving and retrieving of large amount of spatial and non spatial data.