Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zone using Analytical Hierarchy Process

In the present study, the groundwater potential zone was demarcated and suitable site selection for the water storage structures was identified in the Deoria watershed of Jharkhand by using analytical hierarchy process. Thematic layers of lithology, geomorphology, soil, lineament, lineament density, slope, relief, aspects, drainage, drainage density, land use and land cover, and groundwater depth maps were created. The watershed falls under fourth-order river basin. A major portion of the basin is mainly dominated by lower order streams. Groundwater potential zones were categorized as very good, good, moderate, bad, and very bad. Only 9.37% of the total watershed area falls under a very good category. Twenty-eight suitable sites were recognized for constructing water harvesting structure in the Deoria watershed. The vast majority of the Deoria watersheds were observed to be appropriate for check dam. The watershed is characterized as having a reasonable land-use class (forest, river bed), slope (under 15%) and soil type (sandy loamy topsoil) which fills the need for soil and water conservation and groundwater expansion. The appropriateness of other water storage structures like nala bandh, farm pond and bore well were apportioned on the grounds. Remote sensing, satellite data, and GIS techniques provide a convenient approach for delineating the potential of groundwater zones which ultimately support the better planning and management of groundwater resources.