GIS Based Spatio-temporal Mapping of Groundwater Depth in Hisar District, Haryana State, India

Abstract

Water Resource management is very important for sustained use of natural resources and is vital for existence of mankind. Groundwater plays a significant role due to its easy availability and low cost inputs for use. The present study deals with the monitoring of spatio-temporal changes in groundwater depth in Hisar district of Haryana state, India. A total of 92 observation wells were selected throughout the district for point observations. The groundwater depth (m, bgl) data from 1990 to 2014 of pre-monsoon for each year have been used in the present study. Change detection maps were generated using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation technique in Arc GIS. Depth to water level data at 4 year interval has been considered for monitoring the changes. Long-term variations have also been monitored by using data of 1990-2014 so as to understand the changing groundwater regime in the area. The study revealed uprising trend in average groundwater depth from 12.9 m bgl in 1990 to 8.10 m bgl in year 2014. The changes in the groundwater depth were more prominent in South (rising trend), East (rising trend) and North-east (rising trend) parts of the District. The probable reason for this trend is poor groundwater quality in southern and north-eastern parts of the district hampering the farmers from its use.