GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Technique-Based Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones in The Ken River Basin of Central India

The groundwater crisis is fast becoming a serious global problem in arid and semi-arid regions. Identification of potential groundwater sites in the Ken River Basin is an essential requirement for sustainable water management and planning. The main objective of this research study is to identify GPZs using GIS and AHP methodology using various thematic maps, water level data, and datasets of the area. It employs geological and geomorphological indices to assess the Ground Water Potential Zones (GWPZ) in the Ken River Basin (KRB) of Central India. The AHP method has been used to assign appropriate weights to the identified thematic layers. GPZ maps are prepared through overlay analysis of these loads. Based on the assessment of different thematic layers, the lower upland plains of alluvial and quaternary sediments of the lower KRB have been overweighted for groundwater potential, and the high to very high granitic and Vindhya hills of the middle and upper regions of the KRB have been rated as poor for groundwater status. The low densities (0.39-0.75) observed in the middle and lower reaches of KRB (near Damoh, Panna, and Banda) are less sensitive to GWPZ. The higher density of lineaments occurring close to fractures and faults is more conducive to groundwater potential. Panna, Chhatarpur, Mahoba, and adjoining areas received moderate rainfall (1050-1095 mm). Areas with very low (<960 mm) to low (960-1005 mm) rainfall in the vicinity of Banda and Lower KRB are not conducive for groundwater. The results of this research can be used by planners and researchers to find locations for groundwater excavation in the future. These research findings can be applied globally to explore the potential of groundwater in any region and reduce the excessive demand for groundwater.