Papers by pandith D R madhnure
International journal of research in engineering and technology, Oct 25, 2015
Out of 464 mandals, 42 mandals from Telangana State (~7% of area) have been declared as over-expl... more Out of 464 mandals, 42 mandals from Telangana State (~7% of area) have been declared as over-exploited (OE) as per 2011 year of reassessment of Dynamic Groundwater Resources and 1128 villages are notified as per WALTA Act. Geologically the state is underlain by granite/gneisses, limestone, sandstone and basalt and receives annual rainfall between 730 mm to 1120 mm (average 944 mm) and drained mainly by rivers, the Godavari and the Krishna and their tributaries. CGWB monitors about 58 observation wells out of 738 wells in these OE blocks four times a year (January, May, August and November) for water levels and one time for groundwater quality (May). Comparison in groundwater level scenario during the year 2010 (prior to reassessment period) and during 2014 is made as they were the year of excess rainfall of 26% and deficient year of rainfall of 29%. From the study it is concluded that shallow water levels (2.1-21.5 m bgl) are observed during pre-monsoon season (May) of 2014 as compared to pre-monsoon of 2010 (4.3 to 22.3 mbgl). Due to less rainfall in 2014, deeper water levels are observed during post-monsoon season (November) of 2014 (2.1 to 25.8 m bgl) as compared to 2010 season (0.86 to 11.92 mbgl) and number of wells showing deeper water levels increased during this period. Decadal mean of water levels during pre and post-monsoon season of 2004-2014 (4.04 to 26.07 & 1.95-17.7 mbgl), is at deeper levels as compared to the 2001-2010 (4.96 to 18.71 mbgl and 1.98-9.11 mbgl) and there is increase in number of wells showing deeper water levels during the period.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, Sep 1, 2016
The aim of the present study is to identify the geochemical processes responsible for higher fluo... more The aim of the present study is to identify the geochemical processes responsible for higher fluoride (F-) content in the groundwater of the Yellareddigudem watershed located in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh. The basement rocks in the study area comprise mainly of granites (pink and grey varieties), which contain F-bearing minerals (fluorite, biotite and hornblende). The results of the study area suggest that the groundwater is characterized by Na + : HCO facies. The Fcontent varies from 0.42 to 7.50 mg/L. In about 68% of the collected groundwater samples, the concentration of Fexceeds the national drinking water quality limit of 1.5 mg/L. The weathering of the granitic rocks causes the release of Na + and HCO ions, which increase the solubility of ions. Ion exchange between Na + and Ca 2+ , and precipitation of CaCO 3 reduce the activity of Ca 2+. This favours dissolution of CaF 2 from the F-bearing minerals present in the host rocks, leading to a higher concentration of Fin the groundwater. The study further suggests that the spatial variation in the Fcontent appears to be caused by difference in the relative occurrence of F-bearing minerals, the degree of rockweathering and fracturing, the residence time of water in the aquifer materials and the associated geochemical processes. The study emphasizes the need for appropriate management measures to mitigate the effect of higher F groundwater on human health.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, Sep 1, 2014
ABSTRACT The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) constructed 72 bore wells down to a targeted depth... more ABSTRACT The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) constructed 72 bore wells down to a targeted depth of 208 m in Nanded district, Maharashtra which is mainly underlain by hard rocks, namely basalts and granites. The yield of these bore wells varies from 0.10 litres/second (l/s) to 25 l/s and depth of weathering varies from less than 1 m to 24 meters below ground level (m bgl). The shallowest and the deepest aquifer zones are encountered at 7 and 172 m bgl respectively and majority of the productive aquifer zones are encountered within 100 meter (m) depth. Most productive zones are fractured basalts, fractured and weathered granites and 31 % of the zones are encountered within 25 m, 36 % within 25-50 m, 24 % within 50-100 m, 8 % within 100-150 m and less than 1 % within 150-173 m depth ranges. Out of the three major sets of lineaments, the NE-SW trending lineaments are more productive, and a maximum of five fracture zones are encountered in all. Surface geophysical studies (profiling) reveal that wherever the ratio between high resistivity and low resistivity is high, the discharge is high, and where the ratio is low the discharge is low. The depth to water level in these bore wells are in the range of 1.5-47.5 m bgl (below ground level). The transmissivity (T) and Storativity (S) values of 21 wells range from 3 to 593 m(2)/day and 6.5 x 10(-6) to 7.32 x 10(-2) respectively. The groundwater from the area is mostly of Ca-Na-HCO3-Cl, Ca-Na-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-Cl, Na-HCO3, Na-HCO3-Cl, Na-Cl, Ca-HCO3 types in the descending order of dominance and a few are found to be unsuitable for drinking. At a few sites, drilling down to the targeted depth of 200 m couldn't be completed due to highly fractured nature of formations, hydraulic backpressure, occurrences of saturated intertrappean beds and high magnetic nature of formations.
Springer hydrogeology, Nov 1, 2017
Nalgonda District is widely known as one of the fluorosis endemic districts of India. Groundwater... more Nalgonda District is widely known as one of the fluorosis endemic districts of India. Groundwater quality from Cherlapalli watershed, Nalgonda District, is evaluated with reference to fluoride. In the present study, concentration of fluoride is reported as high as 7.1 mg/L, while NO3 − reaches up to 490 mg/L. Higher F concentrations are detected in highly weathered and fractured zones in structurally controlled central part of the area. Vertical variation in fluoride concentrations is observed down to 120 m depth, indicating local geological influence. F− and Ca2+ show moderate degree of negative correlation, indicating F− enrichment by removal of Ca2+ during rock-water interaction. Positive correlation between Na+ and F− and pH and F− reveals that Na+ is released into groundwater under alkaline conditions. Groundwater is mainly of Na–Mg–HCO3- and Na–HCO3 types. It is recommended that for drinking use surface water be blended with groundwater in fluoride-affected areas under the proposed Water Grid Project by local Government. Artificial recharge measures through percolation tanks and check dams are recommended in the central part where thick de-saturated weathered zone is available. De-silting of existing tanks under the ongoing Govt.-sponsored Mission Kakatiya may be taken on priority basis in the area.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, Mar 1, 2021
Groundwater based irrigation, which was started in India as early as "Indus Civilizations" got im... more Groundwater based irrigation, which was started in India as early as "Indus Civilizations" got impetus during 3 rd five-year plan. In India, at present 78 m ha of irrigation potential is created and 80 percent is utilized. One of the World's highest user of groundwater is India with 63 percent of its dynamic groundwater resources. Similarly, Telangana State is also utilizing the dynamic groundwater resources up to 65 percent. Groundwater a reliable source of irrigation with high yields and brings equity among its users as ~99 % of structures are owned by individuals. In the state, well irrigation increased from ~0.46 lakh ha from 1875 to 23.35 lakh ha during 2017-18 and well density increased to ~13 wells/ km 2 leading to decrease in irrigation potential under each well to < 1 ha. As a result of it many challenges like water logging & salinity in canal command areas, over-exploitation leading to de-saturation of shallow aquifers, underutilization in north eastern part, groundwater pollution (both geogenic and anthropogenic) and sustainability, etc have cropped up. The management steps taken up in water sector like water transfer through KLIP, providing protected water supply through Mission Bhagiratha, de-siltation through Mission Kakatiya, forest rejuvenation through Haritha Haram, construction of various ARS, modernization of canals, conjunctive use of surface and groundwater, user centred aquifer level groundwater management, tank management, IEC activities etc brought positive changes in water availability in the state more particularly surface water. In order to sustain these efforts, formation of WUA at watershed/village level for agricultural planning, change in cropping pattern from highly intensive paddy to ID crops more particularly from non-command areas, conjunctive use of water, warabandhi (on/off) method of releasing irrigation water, developing intercepting drains, soil treatment, declaring crop holidays, separate electric grids for agriculture and domestic supply, legally separating water and land rights and strict implementation of regulatory measures. The other measures suggested are policy interventions that involve regulatory mechanisms and linking village-based institutions to government departments that manage groundwater etc.
Journal of the Geological Society of India
Environment Conservation Journal, 2017
Ground water quality plays an important role in promoting agricultural production and standard of... more Ground water quality plays an important role in promoting agricultural production and standard of human health and the sources and causes of ground water pollution are closely associated with human use of water. For many years ground water was thought to be protected from contamination by the layers of rocks and soil that acts as a filter, but contaminants do make their way into the ground water and affect its quality. The present paper deals with the assessment of seasonal variation in ground water and its suitability for drinking purpose. For this purpose major ions were assessed and Water Quality index was calculated for both pre monsoon and post monsoon season. A comparison of ground water quality in relation to drinking water quality standards proves that the ground water quality was altered with respect to parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Ca, Mg and TH showcased higher levels. Similarly WQI calculated for both the seasons ranged to fall in poor to unsuitable category. From the above results it is clear that the ground water of the study area is deteriorated due to paper industry effluents, use of agricultural fertilizers and the local geology and is found unsatisfactory for drinking purpose.
Aquatic Procedia, 2015
For sustainable groundwater management plan (SGMP), a pilot study has been taken up in Palmakul-K... more For sustainable groundwater management plan (SGMP), a pilot study has been taken up in Palmakul-Kottur watershed (214 km 2) near Hyderabad, India with integrated approach including remote sensing, hydrometeorological, hydrological, hydrogeological, geophysical and hydrochemical studies. The watershed is underlain by Archaean granites characterized by semi arid conditions with annual normal rainfall of 836 mm. Remarkable changes in land use pattern, have led to substantial impact on groundwater recharge to the aquifers. The productive phreatic aquifer up to 30 m depth is desaturated forcing to tap the groundwater from deeper aquifers of 100 m depths leading to deeper groundwater levels (>20 meter below ground level) at places. Overall the stage of groundwater development varies from 78% to 103% and deterioration in groundwater quality is observed with respect to fluoride (max. 4.6 mg/L), nitrate (max.300 mg/L) and electrical conductivity (max. 4200 micro s micro siemens/cm) at places. For suggesting zone-wise SGMP, the area has been divided into three zones, using geographical information system. Zone-1 (95 km 2) is characterized by high weathering (> 10 m) & moderate to high yield (> 1 liters/second (lps). Zone-2 (35 km 2) by low weathering (<10 m & low yield (< 1 lps) and Zone-3 (84 km 2) by poor groundwater quality (beyond drinking and irrigation permissible limits). The suggested plan includes site specific suitable artificial recharge structures, cultivation of irrigated dry crops and adaptation of micro irrigation techniques along with provision for alternate source of drinking water. Desilting of existing tanks and participatory groundwater management are recommended. The approach and the outcome of the pilot study will go a long way for up scaling in similar hydrogeological environs of the country.
Environmental monitoring and assessment, 2017
Rapid expansion in urbanization and industrialization coupled with recent drought conditions has ... more Rapid expansion in urbanization and industrialization coupled with recent drought conditions has triggered unplanned groundwater development leading to severe stress on groundwater resources in many urban cities of India, particularly cities like Nanded, Maharashtra. In the quest of tapping drinking water requirement, due to recent drought conditions, people from the city are piercing through entire thickness of shallow basalt aquifers to reach productive deeper granite aquifers. Earlier reports from Nanded and surrounding districts suggest that deeper granite aquifer is contaminated with fluoride (geogenic). The study aimed to find out variations in fluoride concentration in shallow basalt (10-167 m) and deeper granite aquifers (below 167 m) and to find out the relationship between fluoride and other ions. Study suggests that concentration of fluoride in shallow basalt aquifer is within maximum permissible limits of Bureau of Indian Standards and deeper granite aquifer contains as ...
Current Science, 2007
Hydrogeological investigations have been carried out in the rural parts of Yavatmal district, Mah... more Hydrogeological investigations have been carried out in the rural parts of Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, where agriculture is the main occupation. The area is mainly occupied by Deccan basalts, except in the southern part, where limestone and shale belonging to the Penganga Group occur. Groundwater occurs under unconfined conditions in the weathered and fractured portions of rocks, and semi-confined to confined conditions in fractured rocks. The groundwater of the area is of bicarbonate (HCO - 3 )-type and high fluoride (F - ) concentration is observed in deeper aquifers compared to shallow aquifers. Physicochemical conditions like decomposition, dissociation and subsequent dissolution along with long residence time might be responsible for leaching of F - into the groundwater.
Nalgonda District is widely known as one of the fluorosis endemic districts of India. Groundwater... more Nalgonda District is widely known as one of the fluorosis endemic districts of India. Groundwater quality from Cherlapalli watershed, Nalgonda District, is evaluated with reference to fluoride. In the present study, concentration of fluoride is reported as high as 7.1 mg/L, while NO3 − reaches up to 490 mg/L. Higher F concentrations are detected in highly weathered and fractured zones in structurally controlled central part of the area. Vertical variation in fluoride concentrations is observed down to 120 m depth, indicating local geological influence. F− and Ca2+ show moderate degree of negative correlation, indicating F− enrichment by removal of Ca2+ during rock-water interaction. Positive correlation between Na+ and F− and pH and F− reveals that Na+ is released into groundwater under alkaline conditions. Groundwater is mainly of Na–Mg–HCO3- and Na–HCO3 types. It is recommended that for drinking use surface water be blended with groundwater in fluoride-affected areas under the pro...
Journal of the Geological Society of India, 2021
Groundwater based irrigation, which was started in India as early as “Indus Civilizations” got im... more Groundwater based irrigation, which was started in India as early as “Indus Civilizations” got impetus during 3rd five-year plan. In India, at present 78 m ha of irrigation potential is created and 80 percent is utilized. One of the World’s highest user of groundwater is India with 63 percent of its dynamic groundwater resources. Similarly, Telangana State is also utilizing the dynamic groundwater resources up to 65 percent. Groundwater a reliable source of irrigation with high yields and brings equity among its users as ∼99 % of structures are owned by individuals. In the state, well irrigation increased from ∼0.46 lakh ha from 1875 to 23.35 lakh ha during 2017–18 and well density increased to ∼13 wells/km2 leading to decrease in irrigation potential under each well to < 1 ha. As a result of it many challenges like water logging & salinity in canal command areas, over-exploitation leading to de-saturation of shallow aquifers, underutilization in north eastern part, groundwater p...
Journal of the Geological Society of India, 2016
The aim of the present study is to identify the geochemical processes responsible for higher fluo... more The aim of the present study is to identify the geochemical processes responsible for higher fluoride (F-) content in the groundwater of the Yellareddigudem watershed located in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh. The basement rocks in the study area comprise mainly of granites (pink and grey varieties), which contain F-bearing minerals (fluorite, biotite and hornblende). The results of the study area suggest that the groundwater is characterized by Na + : HCO facies. The Fcontent varies from 0.42 to 7.50 mg/L. In about 68% of the collected groundwater samples, the concentration of Fexceeds the national drinking water quality limit of 1.5 mg/L. The weathering of the granitic rocks causes the release of Na + and HCO ions, which increase the solubility of ions. Ion exchange between Na + and Ca 2+ , and precipitation of CaCO 3 reduce the activity of Ca 2+. This favours dissolution of CaF 2 from the F-bearing minerals present in the host rocks, leading to a higher concentration of Fin the groundwater. The study further suggests that the spatial variation in the Fcontent appears to be caused by difference in the relative occurrence of F-bearing minerals, the degree of rockweathering and fracturing, the residence time of water in the aquifer materials and the associated geochemical processes. The study emphasizes the need for appropriate management measures to mitigate the effect of higher F groundwater on human health.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, 2016
Groundwater sampling was carried out in fast growing Vijayawada urban agglomeration in Andhra Pra... more Groundwater sampling was carried out in fast growing Vijayawada urban agglomeration in Andhra Pradesh state with a view to generate base line data and to assess groundwater quality, its variations vis-à-vis urbanization and hydrochemical characteristics. The groundwaters are found to be fresh to brackish, hard to very hard, often enriched with nitrate, phosphate,and faecal colliform indicating anthropogenic influence on groundwater on account of urbanization. Manganese and iron of geogenic origin are also found to be in high concentrations in some localities. The quality deterioration is more in shallow aquifers, as also in core urban and red soil covered areas. Spatial variations in groundwater quality are discernible, with high concentrations of SO 4-, NO 3 in core urban area suggesting the impact of urbanization. A wide range of chemical constituents indicate water rock interactions as influenced by anthropogenic activities controlling the urban aquifers. The order of abundance of cations is Na>Mg>Ca>K, while the order of abundance of anions is Cl>HCO 3 >SO 4 >NO 3. The baseline study suggests the need to protect the groundwater resource through sound environmental protection measures for the welfare of the inhabitants in the city around which the new capital is proposed to be constructed for newly formed Andhra Pradesh state in India.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, 2016
Two dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) investigation along with Time Domain Indu... more Two dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) investigation along with Time Domain Induced Polarization (TDIP) investigation covering 1.6 km line were carried out at 3 natural recharge sites in a overexploited groundwater granite watershed, situated in a semi arid region in the state of Telangana, India. At these sites, shallow and/ or deep moisture influx measurements were also carried out using injected tritium tracer and neutron moisture probe. The watershed is covered by sandy loam to silt loam soil, receives an average annual rainfall of 620 mm with the pre monsoon groundwater level ranging from 8m to 29m bgl. The spot investigations were done to assess and understand the recharge process and groundwater potential in terms of resistivity/conductivity and moisture characteristics of the subsurface rock formation. The measured and 2D inverted resistivity models shows soil, highly weathered and moderately weathered zones up to a depth of 22m followed by semi-weathered and massive granites up to the maximum depth of 78m. The resistivity values of the soil and shallow weathered zones varying between ~5-50 Ohm.m up to a depth of 12m. The large variation in resistivity values of the soil and weathered zone is probably indicative of large variation in the moisture potential. The resistivity models clearly mapped the granitic hard rock structure in the depth range of 22-78m, which has a significant resistivity contrast (~1500-11000 Ohm.m) with respect to the overlying semi weathered layers. The modeled 2D resistivity data at a site in two perpendicular directions shows similar geological structure and geoelectric layers. The TDIP dataset shows insignificant chargeability variations (1-7 mV/V) up to the investigated depth of 78m, which probably indicates low to moderate moisture and groundwater potential in the vadoze and saturated zones of the aquifer. The experimental investigations provide scope for assessing dynamic recharge and groundwater potential at selected sites in an overexploited granite watershed in the present geological context.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2016
Seasonal variations in groundwater reveal lesser concentrations of major ions except NO 3 − durin... more Seasonal variations in groundwater reveal lesser concentrations of major ions except NO 3 − during post-monsoon seasons in shallow aquifers as compared to deeper aquifers. The F − concentration from deeper aquifers is high in both seasons and shows a moderate positive relationship with weathering depth and is >5 mg/L in compound lava flow. Groundwater is mainly a Ca-HCO 3 type in shallow aquifers and mixed type in deeper aquifers. Fluoride shows a positive correlation with pH, Na + , HCO 3 − in shallow aquifers and an inverse correlation with Ca 2+ and HCO 3 − from deeper aquifers in both seasons. Approximately 45 % of the samples are not suitable for drinking from both aquifers but suitable for irrigation purposes. Rock-water interaction, moderate alkalinity, sluggish movement, and higher residence time are the main causes for high F − in deeper aquifers as compared to shallow aquifers. As recommendations, drinking water requirement may be met from shallow aquifers/surface water and fluoride rich groundwater for other purposes. Most effective defluoridation techniques like ion exchange and reverse osmosis may be adopted along with integrated fluorosis mitigation measures and rooftop rainwater harvesting. Supplementary calcium and phosphorous rich food should be provided to children and creating awareness about safe drinking water habits, side effects of high F − , and NO 3 − rich groundwater, improving oral hygiene conditions are other measures.
Hydrogeology Journal, 2015
The rapid expansion of agriculture, industries and urbanization has triggered unplanned groundwat... more The rapid expansion of agriculture, industries and urbanization has triggered unplanned groundwater development leading to severe stress on groundwater resources in crystalline rocks of India. With depleting resources from shallow aquifers, end users have developed resources from deeper aquifers, which have proved to be counterproductive economically and ecologically. An integrated hydrogeological study has been undertaken in the semi-arid Madharam watershed (95 km2) in Telangana State, which is underlain by granites. The results reveal two aquifer systems: a weathered zone (maximum 30 m depth) and a fractured zone (30–85 m depth). The weathered zone is unsaturated to its maximum extent, forcing users to tap groundwater from deeper aquifers. Higher orders of transmissivity, specific yield and infiltration rates are observed in the recharge zone, while moderate orders are observed in an intermediate zone, and lower orders in the discharge zone. This is due to the large weathering-zone thickness and a higher sand content in the recharge zone than in the discharge zone, where the weathered residuum contains more clay. The NO3− concentration is high in shallow irrigation wells, and F− is high in deeper wells. Positive correlation is observed between F− and depth in the recharge zone and its proximity. Nearly 50 % of groundwater samples are unfit for human consumption and the majority of irrigation-well samples are classed as medium to high risk for plant growth. Both supply-side and demand-side measures are recommended for sustainable development and management of this groundwater resource. The findings can be up-scaled to other similar environments.RésuméLe développement rapide de l’agriculture, de l’industrie et de l’urbanisation a provoqué une exploitation incontrôlée de l’eau souterraine, conduisant à une pression sévère sur la ressource en eau souterraine des aquifères de socle en Inde. Face à l’épuisement des ressources des aquifères superficiels, les utilisateurs ont développé les ressources d’aquifères plus profonds, ce qui s’est révélé être contreproductif sur les plans économique et écologique. Une étude hydrogéologique intégrée a été menée sur le bassin versant semi-aride du Madharam (95 km2), dans l’Etat du Telangana, à soubassement granitique. Les résultats révèlent deux systèmes aquifères: une zone altérée (30 m de profondeur au maximum) et une zone fracturée (30–85 m de profondeur). La zone altérée est non saturée jusqu’ à son extrême limite, forçant les utilisateurs à exploiter les eaux souterraines d’aquifères plus profonds. Les classes de transmissivité, du débit spécifique et des taux d’infiltration les plus élevées ont été observées dans la zone de recharge, les classes moyennes dans la zone intermédiaire, et les plus basses dans la zone de décharge. Cela est dû à la forte épaisseur de la zone altérée et à une teneur en sable plus élevée dans la zone de recharge que dans la zone de décharge, où le résidu d’altération contient plus d’argile. La teneur en NO3− est élevée dans les puits d’irrigation superficiels et le F− dans les puits plus profonds. Une corrélation positive est observée entre F− et la profondeur dans la zone de recharge et à proximité. Environ 50 % des échantillons d’eau souterraine sont impropres à la consommation humaine et la majorité des échantillons de puits d’irrigation sont classés comme à risque moyen à fort pour la croissance des plantes. Des mesures sont recommandées à la fois sur le plan de la ressource et sur le plan de la demande, en vue du développement durable et de la gestion de cette ressource en eau souterraine. Les résultats peuvent être extrapolés à d’autres environnements similaires.ResumenLa rápida expansión de la agricultura, la industria y la urbanización ha provocado un desarrollo no planificado de las aguas subterráneas que conduce a una severa presión sobre los recursos de agua subterránea en las rocas cristalinas de la India. Con el agotamiento de los recursos de los acuíferos someros, los usuarios finales han desarrollado los recursos de los acuíferos más profundos, que han demostrado ser económica y ecológicamente contraproducentes. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio hidrogeológico integrado en la cuenca semiárida de Madharam (95 km2) en el Estado de Telangana, la cual presenta una base de granitos que la subyace. Los resultados revelan dos sistemas acuíferos: una zona meteorizada (máximo 30 m de profundidad) y una zona de fractura (30 a 85 m de profundidad). La zona meteorizada es no saturada hasta su máxima extensión, obligando a los usuarios a aprovechar el agua subterránea de los acuíferos más profundos. En la zona de recarga se observan los órdenes más altos de transmisividad, de rendimiento específico y de infiltración; órdenes moderados se observan en una zona intermedia, y los órdenes menores en la zona de descarga. Esto es debido al gran espesor de la zona meteorizada y a un más alto contenido de arena en la zona de recarga que en la zona…
Aquatic Procedia, 2015
For sustainable groundwater management plan (SGMP), a pilot study has been taken up in Palmakul-K... more For sustainable groundwater management plan (SGMP), a pilot study has been taken up in Palmakul-Kottur watershed (214 km 2) near Hyderabad, India with integrated approach including remote sensing, hydrometeorological, hydrological, hydrogeological, geophysical and hydrochemical studies. The watershed is underlain by Archaean granites characterized by semi arid conditions with annual normal rainfall of 836 mm. Remarkable changes in land use pattern, have led to substantial impact on groundwater recharge to the aquifers. The productive phreatic aquifer up to 30 m depth is desaturated forcing to tap the groundwater from deeper aquifers of 100 m depths leading to deeper groundwater levels (>20 meter below ground level) at places. Overall the stage of groundwater development varies from 78% to 103% and deterioration in groundwater quality is observed with respect to fluoride (max. 4.6 mg/L), nitrate (max.300 mg/L) and electrical conductivity (max. 4200 micro s micro siemens/cm) at places. For suggesting zone-wise SGMP, the area has been divided into three zones, using geographical information system. Zone-1 (95 km 2) is characterized by high weathering (> 10 m) & moderate to high yield (> 1 liters/second (lps). Zone-2 (35 km 2) by low weathering (<10 m & low yield (< 1 lps) and Zone-3 (84 km 2) by poor groundwater quality (beyond drinking and irrigation permissible limits). The suggested plan includes site specific suitable artificial recharge structures, cultivation of irrigated dry crops and adaptation of micro irrigation techniques along with provision for alternate source of drinking water. Desilting of existing tanks and participatory groundwater management are recommended. The approach and the outcome of the pilot study will go a long way for up scaling in similar hydrogeological environs of the country.
Environmental Earth Sciences, 2013
It is hypothesized that hydrochemical parameters can be employed to deduce the basaltic trap thic... more It is hypothesized that hydrochemical parameters can be employed to deduce the basaltic trap thickness and that there exist diverse hydrochemical processes within the existing host rocks along the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) margin. Chemical imprints of aquifers, in various flows of flood basalt and fissured zones of granites, had been appraised using major ion chemistry of groundwater in a test site of 623 km 2 at the southern margin of the DVP in India. The wide ranging hydrochemical processes, obtained from empirical data, describe the predominance of carbonate, dolomite, calcite and anorthite weathering in basalts, and alkali feldspar (albite and orthoclase) in granites. Results showed that the elevated concentrations of alkaline earth elements in basaltic aquifers and alkali rich elements in granitic aquifers were useful in tracing the sources of host rock for dissolved mineral reactants. Further, a digital elevation model using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (90 m) elevation satellite data aided in deciphering trap thickness, vertical transition zone of trap and granitic basement comprising the well depths and hydrochemistry. The mapping of trap thickness is useful to explore the groundwater resources at the vertical transition zone between the basaltic trap and granitic base. The estimated thickness of the basaltic trap is varied from 4 to 98 m at the DVP southern margin, which is further verified with the help of exploratory well lithologs matched closely.
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Papers by pandith D R madhnure