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Research Article ISSN: 2319-507X Khadri SFR, IJPRET, 2013; Volume 2 (4): 54-73 IJPRET

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY A PATH FOR HORIZING YOUR INNOVATIVE WORK

HYDROGEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF VIDRUPA RIVER BASIN, AKOLA DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA WITH REFERENCE TO WATER RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT

KHADRI S.F.R.1, SUPLE, P.A.2

1. Department of Geology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati-444602 (MS)

2. Groundwater Survey and Development Agency, Chandrapur (MS)

Accepted Date: 16/11/2013 ; Published Date: 01/12/2013

Abstract: Hydrogeological investigations of Vidrupa river basin has been attempted to understand the water resource management. An attempt has also been made to analyze the sequence of hydro geological formations of the Vidrupa river basin using ground water fluctuation models and by delineation of aquifer parameters. The aquifers on the basis of permeability, potential and extent of aquifers, are categorized into i) extended and shallow aquifers with intergranular porosity and permeability, and with moderate to high potential (alluvial horizons); ii) limited and shallow aquifers with fracture and/or porosity and permeability, and with moderate potential (highly fractured and weathered basalt); and iii) limited and shallow aquifers with intergranular and fracture porosity and permeability, and with low potential (massive basalt). Present research work was proposed to conduct hydrogeological investigation and assess groundwater potential of the Vidrupa watershed with an objective of identification of the major water bearing formations, characterization of different aquifers and determination of aquifer productivity, transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity. The weathered layers and fractures are the main sources of groundwater supply in basaltic rock of the watershed. As a result, the extent of weathering and fracture characteristics decide its hydraulic conductivity and other properties. In all the dug wells and bore wells in the basaltic terrain reflect the presence of aquifer in the weathered and fractured basalts. The depth of the dug wells range from 13 to 32 m. The static water level ranges from 3 to 25m. Groundwater assessment was carried out based on field observation and pumping test data from boreholes in the basaltic terrain of the watershed. Accordingly, the weathered layers and zones as a whole are estimated to have low degree of permeability and productivity which is due to the presence of medium to coarse grain sized particles and absence of secondary minerals in the weathered layers and limited infiltration that can take place along the fractures and joints. Their lack of moderate and high degree of productivity is mainly due to the limited thickness of fractured zones and weathered layers, the presence of fine grained materials both in the weathered layers and the overlying alluvium and the landforms which they form. The depths of the boreholes range from 40 to 60 m and the yields vary from 500 to 7770 lph. The depths of static water varies from 9 to 28m with wide differences in composition, structure and texture and corresponding variability in hydraulic parameters of the same rock. The static water level of the dug wells ranges from 4 to 23m. Most of the dug wells are dried within 15 minutes watering pump of 5 l/s discharge, indicating the low production of the productivity of the weathered layers and fractured limited lithological logs due to lack of potential fractures with negligible permeability and productivity.

Keywords: Hydrology, Vidrupa basin, groundwater potential, aquifers, potential fractures

Corresponding Author: Dr. KHADRI S.F.R.

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INTRODUCTION

Water is one of the main resources essential for the overall socio-economic development of any region and it requires careful planning and appropriate exploration. The study area is characterized by the presence of 434 m thick pile of horizontal lava flows of Deccan Traps. The topography is characterized by the presence of flat terraces of lava plateau, lava hill, mesa, butte, escarpment and linear ridges, which have been resulted from lateral erosion. The heterogeneous nature of the basaltic lava flows exposed in the study area is clearly evident from the wide variation in the hydro-geological parameters of these basalts; mainly their permeability and porosity resulted from the nature and degree of weathering, fracture pattern and jointing. The variation m permeability of lava flows exposed in the area is reflected by geometry of drainage network, which provides a reliable index for measuring the permeability of rocks from the drainage basin (Wisler and Brater. 1959). The geomorphologic and hydro-geological details aid in base flow estimation (Raju and Jha, 1990).

The use of groundwater for agriculture by means of dug well, bore well and tube well has lots of advantages over the surface storage under canal irrigation system. On the basis of geological formations, the entire state of Maharashtra can be divided into five-groundwater provinces viz.., Precambrian (Archean) crystalline and igneous rock province. Precambrian consolidated and compact sedimentary rock province. Gondwana consolidated rock province, Deccan trap lava flows (multilayered) and alluvial unconsolidated sedimentary rock province. The Deccan trap, which occupies more than 81% of the area of the state, is a major groundwater province for consideration and evaluation of groundwater potential of the state. The basalt flow occurs as a widely spread sheet of basic rocks forming extensive plains. The entire pile of lava flows shows variation in their physical character in storing and transmitting groundwater and therefore its hydrologic properties put them separate from others.

The continental flood basalts forms one the largest accumulations of the continental flood basalt in the world with an estimated area of 5, 18,000 sq. km. The work done so far in establishing the stratigraphy, age relationship, geochemical behavior of these flows and their petrogenetic aspects of the Vidrupa area lying towards north western side of Amravati region are very limited. The present work is aimed at understanding some of these problems by studying the thickest lava pile of wide aerial extent in a systematic way by utilizing the latest available techniques.

The main water bearing formation of the region is basaltic lava flows (Deccan trap) and Purna Alluvium. Recharge of ground water is controlled by topography, thickness of weathered zone,



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and infiltration capacity of soil and subsoil strata within the zone of aeration in basaltic flow. The study area is dominated by ten different flows, which are separated by the horizons of red / green boles. The vesicular part of the flow possesses primary porosity but permeability has developed by processes of weathering. The fractured zones are the major water-bearing horizons in the basaltic flow of study area. The Southern part of study area consisting of Purna alluvium comprising of clay, silt, sand and gravel which is ideal for groundwater potential. Groundwater occurs in phreatic or water table as well as semi confined condition in the primary pore spaces in the sand and gravel aquifer up to a depth of 50 m and below the depth of 50 m Groundwater occurs under confined condition.

The basic objective of this study is to follow an integrated approach by systematic analysis to understanding the hydrological conditions of the study area is very limited except some basic data report of exploratory boreholes by Central Groundwater Board. Tiwari et al. (1996) have given primary data on the geomorphology and geology of Purna valley. In the present investigation is to delineate various hydro-geomorphic units through remote sensing techniques, understanding the gravity of the problem and also to suggest remedial measures for groundwater resources and development in the saline groundwater belt specially to meet drinking and other fresh water need of community. This study will also undertake multidisciplinary approaches by taking a few demonstration site at near the Bazada zone and study for planning and environmental management in Vidrupa river basin for proper utilization of surface and groundwater runoff, water and soil conservation and also to gather information on the occurrence, movement and development of groundwater by examining the open dug wells as well as tube wells.

Study Area

The study area is located at Telhara and Akot Taluka of Akola district of Maharashtra which is covered under the Survey of India toposheet no 55C/16 and D/13. The study area is covered by Purna Alluvium and is located at about 145 km from Amravati and about 75 km from Akola between. 20° 54' 30” to 21° 14' 35" N latitudes and between 76° 48' to and 770 03’E longitudes (Fig. 1).

The area selected for the investigation of the Vidrupa (also locally named as Aas River) river basin which is tributary of Purna river basin. The Akola district falls in the Western part of Vidarbha region and it is bounded by Amravati in the East, Washim in the South and Buldana in the West. The Satpuda hill ranges are bordering the dist in the North with their slope towards South. The central part of District is plain whereas Southern part is again elevated with its



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general slope towards North. Purna is the major river of the region and it flows from East to West through nearly central part of the Akola District. The important tributaries of Purna River are Katepurna, Morna, Man, Vidrupa, Shahanur, Van and Nirguna. The Northern hilly region of 2 to 4 K.M. width, part of Satpuda range, lie above 400 m MSL. The central part of District is mainly occupied by alluvium deposit is gently slopping and it ranges between 200 to 260 m. above MSL. The District is occupied by Alluvium and Deccan basalt horizontally disposed and is traversed by well developed sets of joints. The geographically the district area is covered by an area of 1864 sq. km alluvium and Basalt 3568 sq. km. Most of the Ground water has and would continue to pay a crucial role for food and fodder production, drinking water supply, drought mitigation and economic development of the country. The ground water being occult and subterranean resource needs to be explored through sub surface techniques of ground water exploration.

The river originate in the foot hills of Satpuda hill ranges situated towards the North of Akola district, the course of river passing near the Dhondakhar and Chippi a tribal village and flowing through across narrow gauge railway tract and near Adgaon bk. village. The major path of river course is almost in a straight line towards the Purna basin.



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Geology of the Study area

The Vidrupa River basin is a part of the Purna alluvium. In this area, various geological formations are well exposed such as sedimentary sandstone, alluvium and Deccan Basalts. In the regional set up of the study area, the presence of a small patch of sandstone belonging from Gondwana formation is exposed at Pimparkhed village of Telhara taluka. The length of sandstone is about 1.5 to 2.00 km and 100 to 200 m width which is observed in between Bazada zone and Purna alluvium towards the northern part of the study area.

Vidrupa river basin – Akola District

Fig. 1. Location map of the study area



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Hydrogeological Investigations

Earlier hydro-geological investigations in the surrounding areas includes the nature of groundwater regime of Uma river basin exposed near Murtizapur region, Akola Dist of Maharashtra, published in the International conference on watershed development held at Dhaka, Bangladesh,(khadri,2002) and hydro-geochemical investigations of Purna river basin exposed near Akola region, MS with emphasis on the water quality management (Khadri,2003). However, very less amount of work has been done on groundwater resource management and development with particular reference to Deccan aquifers of Katepurna river Basin, Akola district, Maharashtra, except for few investigations carried out by Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) and Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA). Our knowledge regarding stratigraphy, petrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology and hydro-geochemistry of groundwater hosted in basaltic aquifer of the region are inadequate.

Geomorphological control for Groundwater Potential

The Morphometric analysis was carried out to understand the drainage analysis, drainage density and landscape. Further various erosional surfaces have been demarcated by utilizing flatness, consistency in the height of the ridges and sloping characters. The Morphometric analysis was carried out to understand the drainage analysis, drainage density and landscape. Further various erosional surfaces have been demarcated by utilizing flatness, consistency in the height of the ridges and sloping characters. The geomorphology plays major role for occurrence and movement of groundwater. On the basis of field traverses and remote sensing interpretation, the important factors, which play a major role in the occurrence of groundwater. Based on major geomorphic processes and agents involved in the formation of landforms in the study area can be grouped into structural, denudation and fluvial in origin.

Geomorphological studies have demonstrated the presence of five distinct landforms namely shallow dissected plateau, moderately dissected plateau, highly dissected plateau, undulations and valley fills. The shallow dissected plateau is characterized by the presence of thick weathered mantle ranging from 6 to 10m with less dissection, and intersecting lineaments indicating a potential storage zone. The depth to water level ranges from 15- 25 m bgl. The safe yield in the open dug wells various from 40-85m/d with sustained discharge of over 4 hours indicating phreatic and confined to semi confined aquifer conditions. The moderately dissected plateau occurs along the fringes of steep scarps indicating moderate thickness of the weathered horizons showing 2-6m. The bed rock is shallow and depth to water level various from 4-9m bgl with moderate water bearing horizons depending upon the placement of



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interflow zone suggesting the recharge nature and higher hydraulic potential. The highly dissected plateau is characterized by the presence of compact and massive lava flows showing intricate network of dissection. The availability of groundwater is scare due to negligible weathered mantle except where the top portion is either altered or due to the presence of vesicular horizon, which may retain some groundwater. The undulating plains represent potential groundwater horizons due to the availability of aquifer zones. The depth to water levels various from 10-14 m bgl.

The study area falls under hot summer and general dryness throughout the year except during monsoon season. Among the geomorphic processes, spheroidal weathering and fluvial erosion play a major in the study area, which helps to distinguish various geomorphic land forms. This area is characterized by undulating hills, a flat crest and an interim slope with a fairly constant angle off towards the alluvial plains (Fig.3)

Fig. 2: Geomorphological map of the study area.

Topography

The area of investigation is traversed by the Vidrupa river basin experiencing sub tropical to tropical monsoon climate. Undulating relief marked the study area with the



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presence 700 m to 500 m and 350 m thick lava files. The general slope of study area from North to South and the area is characterized by typical Deccan trap topography to alluvial tract. The area is demarcated by the presence of diversified heterogeneity within rock formation, which in turn affects ground water potential. The wells located at topographic low have better yield than those on topographic high. The topographic low forms water table convergence and hydraulic trough. Water in water table conditions moves down gradient to areas of topographical low. Thus most of high to moderate yielding dug wells are located in topographic lows. In case of tube wells, even though they can penetrate multiple aquifer system of alluvial terrain, percolation of water at higher altitudes to deeper aquifer is less.

1. Sand / clay ratio in case of alluvium.

2. Type of aquifer (Lithology)

3. Nature and extent of weathering.

4. Thickness of vesicular unit.

5. Nature of vesicles, their density, distribution and interconnection.

All the above motioned factors show considerable amount of lateral and vertical variations, but together they decide the potentiality of groundwater structures in the area.

The hydrogeomorphological map indicates the various groundwater potential groundwater horizons indicating the highly dissected, moderately dissected and shallow types (Fig. 3).



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Fig. 3: Hydrogeomorphological map of the study area



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Depth to water level

In Study area, the total 40 key observation wells were established during the pre-monsoon period (June 2010 and June 2011) in representative location and their water levels were monitored during the post monsoon period (December 2010 and December 2011).The depth to water table ranges from 3.00 to 34.80 m bgl for pre monsoon period for June 2010 and for post monsoon period for December 2010 respectively.

Groundwater Level Fluctuations

Groundwater level fluctuation is mainly dependent on the difference in water levels of pre monsoon and post monsoon periods, which can be directly linked, lo recharge and discharge of groundwater. The pre and post monsoon water level lluciuations were calculated based on the data of 40 wells established in the area. The result indicates four distinct zones viz., low water level fluctuation zone (< 1.5 m.), moderate water level fluctuation (1.5 – 3.5 m.), moderately high water level fluctuation zone (8-15 m.) and high water level fluctuation zone (>6). A map has been prepared to mark the different zones of fluctuation (Table 5.1, 5.5). The seasonal fluctuation of ground water level between the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period for both the years varies between 0.50 to 9-m bgl Most of the study area is characterized by moderate to moderately high water level fluctuation. The low water level fluctuation is more prominent in the region, which is controlled by recharge of groundwater by surface irrigation. Whereas high level mining of groundwater during non-monsoon seasons for irrigation purpose causes fluctuation (Fig. 4a and 4b)

Groundwater potential

The geomorphology plays major role for occurrence and movement of groundwater. On the basis of field traverses and remote sensing interpretation, the important factors, which play a major role in the occurrence of groundwater, are as given below.

Topography

The area of investigation is traversed by the Vidrupa river basin experiencing sub tropical to tropical monsoon climate. Undulating relief marked the study area with the presence 700 m to 500 m and 350 m thick lava files. The general slope of study area from North to South and the area is characterized by typical Deccan trap topography to alluvial tract. The area is demarcated by the presence of diversified heterogeneity within rock formation, which in turn affects ground water potential. The wells located at topographic low have better yield than those on topographic high. The topographic low forms water table convergence and hydraulic trough.



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Water in water table conditions moves down gradient to areas of topographical low. Thus most of high to moderate yielding dug wells are located in topographic lows. In case of tube wells, even though they can penetrate multiple aquifer system of alluvial terrain, percolation of water at higher altitudes to deeper aquifer is less.

6. Sand / clay ratio in case of alluvium.

7. Type of aquifer (Lithology)

8. Nature and extent of weathering.

9. Thickness of vesicular unit.

10. Nature of vesicles, their density, distribution and interconnection.

All the above motioned factors show considerable amount of lateral and vertical variations, but together they decide the potentiality of groundwater structures in the area.

Depth to water level

In Study area, the total 40 key observation wells were established during the pre-monsoon period (June 2010 and June 2011) in representative location and their water levels were monitored during the post monsoon period (December 2010 and December 2011).The depth to water table ranges from 3.00 to 34.80 m bgl for pre monsoon period for June 2010 and for post monsoon period for December 2010 respectively.



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Table 1 Details of dug wells representing hydrological parameter of study area (Pre Monsoon SWL for Year 2011)

S No. Taluka Village Aquifer type Well diameter Well depth Static water level 1 Telhara Pathardi Alluvium 1.85 16.00 13.80 2 Akot Pimpalkhuta Alluvium 2.55 38.80 35.30

3 Telhara Warud Wadner Alluvium 3.85 19.10 18.50

4 Telhara Tudgaon Alluvium 4.50 21.00 20.20

5 Akot Nevri kh Alluvium 3.15 37.85 35.80 6 Akot Lohari Alluvium 1.90 27.40 24.70

7 Akot Mundgaon Alluvium 4.10 21.65 20.30 8 Akot Sirsoli Alluvium 2.60 24.50 18.10 9 Telhara Warud bk Alluvium 2.80 20.10 18.50

10 Akot Kari pr rupa Alluvium 3.60 36.00 30.00

11 Telhara Khairkhed Alluvium 4.30 41.30 28.10

12 Telhara Dhondakhar W.M.B. 3.40 12.70 10.20

13 Telhara Chippi W.M.B. 3.00 5.20 3.20 14 Telhara Bhilli W.M.B. 6.10 13.60 9.80 15 Telhara Kalegaon Alluvium 3.00 23.60 17.10 16 Telhara Dapura Alluvium 1.80 14.30 13.40 17 Telhara Khakta Alluvium 3.90 12.80 10.90 18 Akot Sadarpur Alluvium 2.40 27.00 27.00 19 Telhara Akoli Ruprao Alluvium 1.50 21.60 18.60 20 Telhara Talegaon patur Alluvium 4.90 19.60 16.10 21 Telhara Dawala Alluvium 4.50 17.40 17.10 22 Telhara Pathardi Alluvium 2.60 24.50 18.10 23 Telhara Talegaon kh Alluvium 3.80 26.60 22.10

24 Telhara Babulgaon Alluvium 2.90 21.50 20.50 25 Telhara Malthana bk Alluvium 5.25 21.90 21.00 26 Telhara Adgaon bk Alluvium 3.20 22.55 20.90 27 Telhara Hiwarkhed Alluvium 2.60 34.80 33.50 28 Telhara Manabda Alluvium 3.50 13.90 12.60 29 Telhara Bambarda Alluvium 3.00 14.80 12.70 30 Telhara Manatri bk. Alluvium 3.00 15.50 13.80 31 Telhara Wadgaon Ro Alluvium 4.10 16.30 14.20 32 Telhara Jastagaon Alluvium 2.60 20.80 16.40 33 Telhara Wadi Adampur Alluvium 2.20 25.40 24.60 34 Telhara Dahigaon Alluvium 3.70 25.80 23.70

35 Telhara Umra Alluvium 2.80 33.50 33.30 36 Akot Chorwad Alluvium 3.10 23.10 23.10 37 Akot Mundgaon Alluvium 2.55 38.80 35.10 38 Akot Pimpalkhuta Alluvium 1.35 36.50 35.00 39 Akot PimprI Kh Alluvium 2.10 41.00 41.00

40 Akot Jainpur Pimpri Alluvium 3.35 29.20 29.00



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Table 2 Details of dug wells showing hydrological parameter of study area (Post Monsoon SWL For Year 2011)

SNo Taluka Village Aquifer type Well diameter (m) Well depth(m) Post monsoon static water level(m)

1 Telhara Pathardi Alluvium 1.85 16.00 9.50

2 Akot Pimpalkhuta Alluvium 2.55 38.80 32.10

3 Telhara Warud Wadner Alluvium 3.85 19.10 17.20

4 Telhara Tudgaon Alluvium 4.50 21.00 19.80

5 Akot Nevri kh Alluvium 3.15 37.85 27.10

6 Akot Lohari Alluvium 1.90 27.40 23.20

7 Akot Mundgaon Alluvium 4.10 21.65 3.00

8 Akot Sirsoli Alluvium 2.60 24.50 12.10

9 Telhara Warud bk Alluvium 2.80 20.10 16.30

10 Akot Kari pr rupa Alluvium 3.60 36.00 21.60

11 Telhara Khairkhed Alluvium 4.30 41.30 18.40

12 Telhara Dhondakhar W.V.B. 3.40 12.70 2.60

13 Telhara Chippi W.V.B. 3.00 5.20 1.20

14 Telhara Bhilli W.V.B. 6.10 13.60 3.10

15 Telhara Kalegaon Alluvium 3.00 23.60 15.60

16 Telhara Dapura Alluvium 1.80 14.30 12.20

17 Telhara Khakta Alluvium 3.90 12.80 9.00

18 Akot Sadarpur Alluvium 2.40 27.00 27.00

19 Telhara Akoli Ruprao Alluvium 1.50 21.60 17.10

20 Telhara Talegaon Alluvium 4.90 19.60 14.50

21 Telhara Dawala Alluvium 4.50 17.40 16.10

22 Telhara Pathardi Alluvium 1.85 16.00 14.00

23 Telhara Talegaon kh Alluvium 3.80 26.60 16.10

24 Telhara Babulgaon Alluvium 2.90 21.50 19.80

25 Telhara Malthana bk Alluvium 5.25 21.90 18.20



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26 Telhara Adgaon bk Alluvium 3.20 22.55 18.00

27 Telhara Hiwarkhed Alluvium 2.60 34.80 26.50

28 Telhara Manabda Alluvium 3.50 13.90 11.10

29 Telhara Bambarda Alluvium 3.00 14.80 10.30

30 Telhara Manatri bk. Alluvium 3.00 15.50 11.10

31 Telhara Wadgaon Rothe Alluvium 4.10 16.30 13.30

32 Telhara Jastagaon Alluvium 2.60 20.80 13.80

33 Telhara Wadi Adampur Alluvium 2.20 25.40 22.00

34 Telhara Dahigaon Alluvium 3.70 25.80 19.20

35 Telhara Umra Alluvium 2.80 33.50 31.40

36 Akot Chorwad Alluvium 3.10 23.10 23.10

37 Akot Mundgaon Alluvium 2.55 38.80 1.00

38 Akot Pimpalkhuta Alluvium 2.55 38.80 29.40

39 Akot PimprI Kh Alluvium 2.10 41.00 41.00

40 Akot Jainpur Pimpri Alluvium 3.35 29.20 24.40

Fig. 4a : Water table contour map of the study area (Summer 2011)



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Hydrogeological Investigations

The hydrogeology of the area is studied on the basis of pre and post monsoon field survey conducted for the years 2010 and 2011 during June and December months. The well inventory data were collected for 40 wells for each Pre monsoon and post monsoon season. Collected data were analyzed to check the water level fluctuation and water bearing formation of the area. Alluvium is the main water bearing formation of the study area followed by Deccan trap. The southern part of study area consisting of Purna alluvium comprising of clay, silt, sand and gravel which is ideal for groundwater potential. Groundwater occurs in phreatic or water table as well as semi confined condition in the primary pore spaces in the sand and gravel aquifer up to a depth of 50 m and below the depth of 50 m. Groundwater occurs under confined condition. However, in most of the area, the wells in alluvium also encountered the Deccan trap at the bottom. The mode of groundwater has been studied by taking up an inventory test of existing wells.

Aquifer Characteristics

Different rocks and unconsolidated sediments in the study area which behave as aquifers have been classified on the basis of permeability which they exhibit and the extent of the aquifer.

Fig. 4(b): Water table contour map of the study area (Winter 2011)



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They are: 1. Extended and (unconsolidated alluvial sediments) 2. Limited and shallow aquifers with intergranular and fractured lithology with relatively high porosity and permeability (highly fractured and weathered basalts); and 3. Limited and shallow aquifers with negligible (massive basalts).

Groundwater occurrence and its reserve of geological weathered zones in the Vidrupa hydrogeological watershed has been discussed with particular reference to their water storage and transmission capacities. Recent alluvium cover about 90% of the total mapped area in the form of alluvium which serves as one of the major storage volumes in the drainage basin. Alluvial deposits in the southern and central part of the watershed with thin strips along the northern part of the study area. The Vidrupa River basin is characterized by the presence of large diameter dug wells whose permeability and productivity vary significantly. Being rich in clay, the sediments have a very low permeability and productivity and serve as confining or semi-confining layers. The poor drainage characteristics of these sediments lead to water logging.

The massive basalts occurs as extrusive bodies in the northern parts of the watershed, and is found covering 10% of the total area of watershed, having a maximum thickness of more than 300 m in the northern part. The massive basalt forms block shaped bodies and are affected by strong exfoliation due to the weathering processes. However, the weathering processes affected only the shallow upper parts of the rock. Following are the important features of basalts which enhances its usefulness to the water supply: occurrence of weathering zone, occurrence of tectonic fractures and contact with the surrounding alluvial zone.

Giggenbach Triangle diagram of water samples in the study area pre and post monsoon for the year 2010 have been computed and plotted to understand the initial hydrogeological classification, for example in terms of their major anions Cl-, SO4-2 and HCO3- (Giggenbach, 1991).These triangular diagrams are used for the classification of natural waters and for the classification of geothermal water on the basis of major anion concentrations. It helps to separate immature unstable waters, mature waters, peripheral waters, steam-heated waters and volcanic waters. Moreover it may give an indication of mixing relationships or geographic groupings (Fig. 5a and b).



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Fig. 5(a): Giggenbach Triangle diagram of water samples in the study area for the year 2010 (Pre-Monsoon)

Fig. 5(b): Giggenbach Triangle diagram of water samples in the study area for the year 2010 (Pre-Monsoon)



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Summary and Conclusions

Geomorphological studies have demonstrated the presence of five distinct landforms namely shallow dissected plateau, moderately dissected plateau, highly dissected plateau, undulations and valley fills. The shallow dissected plateau is characterized by the presence of thick weathered mantle ranging from 6 to 10m with less dissection, and intersecting lineaments indicating a potential storage zone. The depth to water level ranges from 15- 25 m bgl. The safe yield in the open dug wells various from 40-85m/d with sustained discharge of over 4 hours indicating phreatic and confined to semi confined aquifer conditions. The moderately dissected plateau occurs along the fringes of steep scarps indicating moderate thickness of the weathered horizons showing 2-6m. The bed rock is shallow and depth to water level various from 4-9m bgl with moderate water bearing horizons depending upon the placement of interflow zone suggesting the recharge nature and higher hydraulic potential. The highly dissected plateau is characterized by the presence of compact and massive lava flows showing intricate network of dissection. The availability of groundwater is scare due to negligible weathered mantle except where the top portion is either altered or due to the presence of vesicular horizon, which may retain some groundwater. The undulating plains represent potential groundwater horizons due to the availability of aquifer zones. The depth to water levels various from 10-14 m. bgl.

The weathered layers and fractures are the main sources of groundwater supply in basaltic rock of the watershed. As a result, the extent of weathering and fracture characteristics decide its hydraulic conductivity and other properties. In all the dug wells and bore wells in the basaltic terrain reflect the presence of aquifer in the weathered and fractured basalts. The depth of the dug wells range from 13 to 32 m. The static water level ranges from 3 to 25m. Groundwater assessment was carried out based on field observation and pumping test data from boreholes in the basaltic terrain of the watershed. Accordingly, the weathered layers and zones as a whole are estimated to have low degree of permeability and productivity which is due to the presence of medium to coarse grain sized particles and absence of secondary minerals in the weathered layers and limited infiltration that can take place along the fractures and joints. Their lack of moderate and high degree of productivity is mainly due to the limited thickness of fractured zones and weathered layers, the presence of fine grained materials both in the weathered layers and the overlying alluvium and the landforms which they form. The depths of the boreholes range from 40 to 60 m and the yields vary from 500 to 7770 lph. The depths of static water varies from 9 to 28m with wide differences in composition, structure and texture and corresponding variability in hydraulic parameters of the same rock. The static water level of the



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dug wells ranges from 4 to 23m. Most of the dug wells are dried within 15 minutes watering pump of 5 l/s discharge, indicating the low production of the productivity of the weathered layers and fractured limited lithological logs due to lack of potential fractures with negligible permeability and productivity.

In this study an attempt has been made to understand the hydrogeological parameters of the Vidrupa river basin so as to suggest suitable remedial measures for groundwater resource management of the region for sustainable development. To avoid the groundwater problem in study are, the following remedial measures are recommended such as.

Formulating strategy for sustainability source, system and economic.

As source sustainability, single village scheme is preferable.

Supply and target driven approach should be shifted to demand driven orientation.

Restriction on pumping for agricultural need in the vicinity of drinking water source.

Need of designing schemes based on affordable, futuristic need.

Involment of community for planning, designing, implementation, quality surveillance, maintenance etc.

Treat water as a socio – economic source maintenance through tariff collection.

Formulated strategy against quality degradation. Making groundwater based supply scheme.

References

1. Adyalkar, P.G., Ayyangar, R.S., Tikekar, S.S. and Khare, Y.D. (1996). Groundwater potential of Deccan Flood Basalt of Nagpur District in Maharashtra :- An imprint derived from satellite imagery In Deccan basalt, Gondwana Geol. Soc. Sp. Vol. 2, pp. 485-492.

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