For Official Use Only

1758/DBR/2013

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

GROUND WATER INFORMATION

OSMANABAD DISTRICT
MAHARASHTRA

By
Bhushan R. Lamsoge
Scientist-C -

CENTRAL REGION
NAGPUR
2013
 OSMANABAD DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Geographical Area : 7512 sq. km.
Administrative Divisions : Taluka-8; Osmanabad, Tuljapur,
(As on 31/03/2012) Omerga, Lohara, Bhoom, Kallamb,
Paranda and Washi.
Villages : 729
Grampanchayat : 622
Population (Census, 2011) : 16,60,311
Normal Annual Rainfall : 600 mm to 850 mm
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major Physiographic unit : One; Balaghat Plateau
Major Drainage : One; Manjra
3. LAND USE (2010-11)
Forest Area : 50.53 sq. km.
Net Area Sown : 6401.80 sq. km.
Cultivable Area : 7229 sq. km.
4. SOIL TYPE
Shallow, Medium and Medium deep soils.
5. PRINCIPAL CROPS (2010-11)
Cereals : 4120 sq. km.
Pulses : 2200 sq. km.
Total Oil Seeds : 1310 sq. km.
Sugarcane : 240 sq. km.
6. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (2006-07)
Nos. Potential Created (ha)
Dugwells : 47982 133535
Borewells : 15834 40258
Surface Flow Schemes : 3428 6238
Lift Irrigation Schemes : 4708 11682
Net Irrigated Area : 191713
7. GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS (As on 31/03/2012)
Dugwells : 25
Piezometers : 2
8. GEOLOGY
Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene : Deccan Trap Basalt
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
Water Bearing Formation : Basalt- weathered/fractured/
jointed vesicular/massive, under.
phreatic and semi-confined to
confined conditions
Premonsoon Depth to Water : 4.15 to 17.35 m bgl
Level (May-2011)
Postmonsoon Depth to Water : 1.2 to 7 m bgl
Level (Nov.-2011)
Premonsoon Water Level Trend : Rise: 0.2 to 0.55 m/year
(2002-2011) Fall: Negligible to 0.3 m/year
Postmonsoon Water Level Trend : Rise: 0.01 to 0.83 m/year
 (2001-2011) Fall: Negligible to 0.32 m/year
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION (As on 31/03/12)
Wells Drilled : EW-48, OW-11, Pz-12, Total=71
Depth Range : 30.00 to 204.15 m bgl
Discharge : 0.22 – 20.24 lps
Transmissivity : 0.22 to 20.24 m2/day (Basalt)
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY
Good and suitable for drinking and irrigation purpose, however localized
fluoride contamination is observed in deeper aquifer and nitrate
contamination in some parts of urban areas of Osmanabad town and
localized places in rural areas.
Type of Water : Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Cl
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES- (As on 2007-08)
Net Annual GW Availability : 267986 ham
Annual GW draft : 73828 ham
(Irrigation+Domestic)
Allocation for Domestic and : 3945 ham
Industrial requirement up to next
25 years
Ground water availability for 37245 ham
future irrigation
Stage of Ground Water : 53.33 %
Development
13. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY
Mass Awareness Programme : Yet to taken up
Water Management Training : Yet to taken up
Programme:
14. ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE & RAINWATER HARVESTING
Projects Completed : Nil
Projects under Technical : Nil
Guidance
15. GROUND WATER CONTROL & REGULATION
Over-Exploited Taluka : None
Semi-Critical Taluka : None
Notified Taluka : None
16. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND ISSUES
The severe drought conditions were experienced in all talukas except at
Tuljapur, while moderate drought ranges from 11% at Kallamb to 28% at
Tuljapur. It is coupled with declining trend of water levels in major part of
the district. The ground water exploration reveals that the ground water
quality in deeper aquifer is adversely affected by fluoride contamination
in Osmanabad, Tuljapur and Omerga talukas. Some parts of urban areas
of Osmanabad town and localized places in rural areas are also
adversely affected by the nitrate contamination.
 Ground Water Information
Osmanabad District

Contents

1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................1

2.0 Climate and Rainfall ........................................................................2
3.0 Geomorphology and Soil Types ......................................................3
4.0 Ground Water Scenario ...................................................................4
4.1 Hydrogeology...................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Ground Water Resources .................................................................................. 7
4.3 Ground Water Quality .................................................................................... 10
4.4 Status of Ground Water Development ........................................................... 12
5.0 Ground Water Management Strategy ..........................................13
5.1 Ground Water Development ........................................................................... 13
5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge................................................ 14
6.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems ...............................14
7.0 Mass Awareness and Training Activities ......................................14
7.1 M.A.P. and W.M.T.P. ...................................................................................... 14
8.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA .................................................14
9.0 Recommendations ..........................................................................14

List of Figures
1. Location
2. Hydrogeology
3. Depth to Water Level (Premonsoon- May 2011)
4. Depth to Water Level (Postmonsoon- Nov. 2011)
5. Water Level Trend (Premonsoon- 2001-2010)
6. Ground Water Resources (2007-08)

List of Tables
1. Studies Undertaken by CGWB
2. Salient Features of Ground Water Exploration
3. Annual Rainfall Data (2002-2011)
4. Taluka wise Ground Water Resources (2007-08)
5. Geochemical Classification of Ground Water Samples
6. Classification of Ground Water Samples for Drinking Based on BIS
Drinking Water Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003)
7. Fluoride Concentration
8. Classification of Ground Water for Irrigation Based on RSC
9. Nature and Yield Potential of Aquifers
 Ground Water Information
Osmanabad District
1.0 Introduction
Osmanabad is one of the districts of Marathwada Region of
Maharashtra and famous for Tuljabhavani temple at Tuljapur. It is situated in
the southern part of the State abutting Andhra Pradesh in south and lies
between north latitudes 17°37’ and 18°42’ and east longitude 75°16’ and
76°47’ and falls in parts of Survey of India degree sheets 47 N, 47 O, 58 B
and 56 C. The district has a geographical area of 7512 sq. km.

The district headquarters is located at Osmanabad Town. It has 8

talukas i.e., Osmanabad, Tuljapur, Omerga, Lohara talukas in Osmanabad
subdivision and Kallam, Bhoom, Paranda, Washi in Bhoom subdivision. It has
a total population of 14,86,586 as per 2001 census. The district has 8 Nagar
Parishads, 8 Panchayat Samitis and 622 Gram Panchayats. The district forms
part of Godavari Basin and Manjra Subbasin. Manjra, Sina, Terna, Bori,
Benitura, Banganga are the main rivers flowing through the district.

Central Ground Water Board has taken up Systematic Hydrogeological

Surveys and urban hydrogeological study of Osmanabad town in the district
as presented in Table-1.
Table 1: Studies undertaken by CGWB.
S. No. Officer AAP Type of Survey/Study
1. Ramaiah, S. N. 1995-96 Systematic Hydrogeological Surveys
2. Bansal S. K. 2000-01 Urban hydrogeology and Impact of
Population on GW Regime in
Osmanabad Municipal Area,
Osmanabad.

Shri S. K. Bansal, Scientist-D, in 2000-01, compiled the report entitled

"Ground Water Resources and Development Potential of Osmanabad District,
Maharashtra.”
Ground water exploration in the district was undertaken in phases since
1977 (Sina-Man Project) to 2003. A total of 71 wells, which includes 48
Exploratory Wells (EW) 11 Observation Wells (OW) and 12 Piezometers (Pz),
were drilled. During 1977-78 under Sina-Man Project 9 EW and 6 OW were
drilled while in 1994-95 5 EW were drilled to study the post-Killari earthquake
effect on ground water scenario in the district. Furthermore, during 1998, 12
Pzs were drilled under Hydrology Project and from 2001 to 2003, 34 EW and
5 OW were drilled under GW Exploration Programme. Pumping tests to
determine aquifer parameters, were also conducted at 7 sites. The taluka
wise salient features of ground water exploration are given in Table-2.

1
Table 2: Salient Features of Ground Water Exploration.
S. Taluka Forma- Wells Depth SWL Discharge Draw- Zones
No. tion (mbgl) (mbgl) (lps) Down (mbgl)
EW OW Pz (m)
1 Osmanabad Basalt 8 6 2 30.00- 6.2- 0.14- 10.53- 4.06-
200.00 97.80 12.00 14.71 162.20
2 Tuljapur Basalt 9 -- 5 75.00- 8.9- 0.38- NA 5.00-
204.15 74.05 2.8 141.40
3 Omerga Basalt 12 1 1 39.00- 7.72- 0.02- NA 9.00-
200.00 98.1 14.89 120.00
4 Kallam Basalt 6 1 2 30.00- 5.60- 0.14- NA 9.00-
200.00 54.85 14.88 118.00
5 Bhoom Basalt 4 -- 1 69.00- 17.30- 0.38- 0.75 11.00-
158.50 27.05 4.24 99.20
6 Paranda Basalt 5 3 1 105.30-3.11- 1.03- 12.51- 9.80-
145.05 23.40 8.70 47.42 98.85
7 Lohara Basalt 3 -- -- 117.20-45.77- 0.79- NA 56.00-
130.00 53.80 13.7 114.00
8 Washi Basalt 1 -- -- 200.00 Dry - - -
Total 48 11 12 30.00- 3.11- 0.02- 0.75- 4.06-
204.15 98.10 14.88 47.42 162.20

The depth of the wells varies from 30 to 204.15 metres below ground
level (m bgl), while discharge varies between 0.02 and 14.88 litres per second
(lps). Static water levels ranged from 3.11 to 98.10 m bgl depth. The
potential aquifer zones have been encountered from 4.06 to 162.20 m bgl.
The deepest water level is recorded at Talmod, Taluka Omerga. i.e., 98.10 m
bgl. Deeper aquifer zones have been encountered in many wells beyond 50
m depth, the deepest being at 166 m at Osmanabad exploratory well in
Osmanabad taluka.
A map of the district showing the taluka boundaries, taluka
headquarters, physical features and location of exploratory and ground water
monitoring wells is presented as Figure-1.

2.0 Climate and Rainfall

The climate of the district is characterized by a hot summer and general
dryness throughout the year except during the south-west monsoon season,
i.e., June to September. The mean minimum temperature is 8.5°C and mean
maximum temperature is 42.5°C.
The normal annual rainfall over the district varies from 600 mm to about
850 mm. It is minimum in the western parts of the district around Parand (576
mm) and increases towards east and reaches a maximum around Kalamb
(775 mm). The average annual rainfall of the district for the period 2002-2011
is 713 mm and the same is presented in Table-3.

2
Figure-1: Location

Table 3: Annual Rainfall, Osmanabad District in mm (2002-2011)

S. Taluka 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Average
No.
1 Osmanabad 679.2 431.4 741 857 673.6 979.4 1096 658 1000.7 538 765.43
2 Tuljapur 651.2 498.2 882.4 874.2 857 821 729 767 971.4 568 761.94
3 Paranda 398.5 266 598 508 554 631.8 561 709 1006.8 530.8 576.39
4 Bhum 702.6 473 684.7 690 746 832.7 730 862 1089.3 475.7 728.60
5 Kalamb 668 576 915.5 1049 760 746.88 772 764.3 1044.4 459.8 775.58
6 Omarga 633.4 621 666.9 954.4 642 678.1 648 610 1013.2 534.5 700.15
7 Lohara 626.4 461.8 604.5 817.4 652 705.4 583 601 1131 530.7 671.32
8 Vashi 605.6 383 696.9 747.6 782.6 797.56 720.31 890 1018.6 668.9 731.10
Average 620.61 463.8 723.73 812.2 708.4 774.10 729.91 732.66 1034.42 538.3 713.81

3.0 Geomorphology and Soil Types

The district forms part of Deccan Plateau, locally known as Balaghat
Plateau, with slope towards southwest and south and has a varied topography
consisting of hills, plains and undulating topography near river-banks. The
district forms a part of Godavari basin. The Balaghat Plateau comprises of
low-lying hills forming water divide. Many of the tributaries to Godavari river
originate from the Balaghat Plateau. Manjra River is the main river flowing
through the district. Other rivers are Sina, Terna, Bori, Benitura and
Banganga. Based on geomorphological setting and drainage pattern, the
district is divided into 41 watersheds.
The soil of the district is basically derived form Deccan Trap Basalt and
the soils occurring in the district are broadly classified into three major types.

3
Shallow Soils occur in small patches in western and northwestern parts of the
district. These soils are light brown to dark grey in colour and loamy to clayey
loamy in texture. Medium Soils are found in parts of Bhoom, Kallamb and
Osmanabad talukas. They are dark brown to dark grey in colour. Medium
deep Soils occur in patches in Tuljapur taluka. The colour of these soils varies
from dark grey brown to very dark grey. They are clayey in texture.

4.0 Ground Water Scenario

4.1 Hydrogeology
The entire district is underlain by the Basaltic lava flows of upper
Cretaceous to lower Eocene age. The shallow Alluvial formation of Recent
age also occurs as narrow stretch along the major rivers flowing in the area
but it does not play much important role from ground water point of view. A
map depicting the hydrogeological features is shown in Figure-2
HYDROGEOLOGY, OSMANABAD DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA
R BE ED
A DIS TR
G T ICT
A C
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UD
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OSMANABAD
TR
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O
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TULJAPUR
A

BO
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Lineament
R

IT
U

IV

H
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O
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UMARGA
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Hilly Area
IV
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Hard Rock (Basalt)

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Figure-2: Hydrogeology

4.1.1 Deccan Trap Basalt

Deccan Traps occurs as Basaltic lava flows, which are around 280 m
thick, normally horizontally disposed over a wide stretch and give rise to
tableland type of topography on weathering also known as plateau. These
flows occur in layered sequence ranging in thickness from few metres to 55
m. Flows are represented by massive portion at bottom and vesicular portion
at top and are separated from each other by marker bed known as bole bed.
Ground water in Deccan Trap Basalt occurs under phreatic and semi-

4
confined conditions. The weathered and fractured trap occurring in
topographic lows form the main aquifer in the district.
4.1.2 Water Level Scenario
Central Ground Water Board periodically monitors the Ground Water
Monitoring Wells (GWMW) in Osmanabad district, four times a year i.e., in
January, May (Premonsoon), August and November (Postmonsoon). There
are 25 dugwells and 2 piezometers being monitored regularly, out of which
active wells are presented as under
Table 4: Water Level Data (2011) with Long Term Trend (2002-2011)
S. Location Pre Post Fluct- Premonsoon Postmonsoon
No. monsoon monsoon uation Trend Trend
Water Water (m) Rise Fall Rise Fall
Level Level (m/yr) (m/yr) (m/yr) (m/yr)
(m bgl) (m bgl)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 Takiwiki 9.2 5.65 3.55 0.0463 -- 0.2825 --
2 Massa (Khurd) -- 3.3 -- 0.0014 -- 0.4476 --
3 Pimpalwandi 4.3 1.4 2.9 0.5572 -- 0.5364 --
4 Anala -- 3.7 -- -- 0.3279 0.1287 --
5 Mouje Barul 9.4 6.2 3.2 0.0936 -- 0.1483 --
6 Sonari 5.65 2.5 3.15 0.032 -- 0.011 --
7 Wakwad 4.15 1.2 2.95 0.4563 -- 0.0227 --
8 Yermala2 11.6 7.0 4.6 -- 0.0408 0.7199 --
9 Gandora 10.85 6.6 4.25 0.2959 -- 0.8342 --
10 Sancha 7.6 2.4 5.2 -- 0.0054 0.3269
11 Turori 5.15 2.05 3.1 0.0236 -- 0.0463 --
12 Itkal 4.85 4.7 0.15 -- -- -- --
13 Lohara Buzurg 5.3 3 2.3 0.0713 -- 0.1539 --
14 Vadgaon 7.15 2.5 4.65 0.3885 -- 0.237 --
Siddheswar
15 Dhoki -- 4.5 4.5 0.077 -- 0.7566 --
16 Yedshi 9.25 -- -- 0.0323 -- 0.4282 --
17 Sarola 17.35 -- -- 0.1617 -- 0.7736 --
(Mandwa)
4.1.2.1 Depth to Water Level – Premonsoon (May-2011)
The depth to water levels in the district during May 2011 ranges
between 4.15 m bgl (Wakvad) and 17.35 m bgl (Sarola (Mandwa)). Depth to
water levels during premonsoon (May 2011) has been depicted in Figure-3.
Shallow water levels within 10 m bgl are seen in almost entire district, i.e.,
major parts of Bhoom, Paranda, Washi, Osmanabad, Tuljapur, Lohara,
Omerga and eastern part of Kallamb talukas. Water levels in the range of 10-
20 m bgl are observed in major part of the Kallamb and eastern part of the
Washi talukas. Also, it is observed as isolated patches in Tuljapur, Lohara and
Omerga talukas. Small patches of shallow water level range of 2-5 m bgl are
observed in the north of Osmanabad.

5
Figure-3: Depth to Water Level (Premonsoon- May 2011)

Figure-4: Depth to Water Level (Postmonsoon- Nov.2011)

6
4.1.3 Depth to Water Level – Postmonsoon (Nov.-2011)
The depth to water levels during Nov. 2011 ranges between 1.2 m bgl
(Wakvad) and 7.00 m bgl (Yermala). Spatial variation in postmonsoon depth
to water levels is shown in Figure-4. In the entire district the water levels are
shallow within 2 to 5 m bgl with few exceptions. Water levels of < 2 m bgl
depth is the most dominant range occupying almost entire Bhoom, Paranda,
Kallamb, Osmanabad and Omerga observed as small isolated patches in
southern part of Paranda, eastern part of Bhoom, NE part of Osmanabad
talukas. The water level varying between 5 to 10 m bgl is observed in major
part of central Tuljapur taluka, NE border of Omerga taluka, SW part of
Kalamb taluka and N-NW part of Washi and Bhoom taluka.

4.1.4 Seasonal Water Level Fluctuation– (May-Nov. 2011)

In major part of the district rise in water levels in the range of negligible
to 5.2 m (Sancha) is observed. In entire district rise in water levels has been
observed. Major part of the district has recorded rise in water level in the
range of 2-4 m. Rise of more than 4m is the next major range occupying
entire Osmanabad and Kalamb talukas, NW part of Tuljapur and E-SE part of
Washi taluka. Rise in 0-2 m range is observed in north part of Omerga and
Bhoomm, NE part of Lohara, southern part of Tuljapur and Paranda.
4.1.5 Water Level Trend (2002-2011)
Trend of water levels for premonsoon and postmonsoon period for last
ten years (2002-2011) have been computed for 17 GWMWs. Analysis of trend
indicates that during premonsoon period, rise in water levels has been
recorded at 13 stations ranging between 0.02 (Turori) and 0.55 m/year
(Pimpalwandi). Fall in water levels has been observed only at 3 stations in the
range of negligible to 0.30 m/year (Anala). During postmonsoon period, rise in
water levels has been recorded at 16 stations ranging from 0.01 m/year
(Sonari) to 0.83 m/year (Gandhora), whereas, fall in water level of 0.32 m/year
is observed only at Sancha. Thus, in major part of the district, both during pre
and postmonsoon periods rising trend of water levels has been observed.
The premonsoon rising trend up to 20 cm/year is observed in entire
district except small patch in southern part of Washi taluka where fall upto –
0.2 m/year has been observed. During post monsoon, entire district is
showing rising trend of water level ranging between negligible to 0.2 m/year.
4.1.6 Aquifer Parameters
The aquifer parameters are available from pumping tests conducted on
exploratory wells and it is observed that the transmissivity of Deccan Traps
varies between 0.22 (Saudana Amba) and 20.24 m 2/day (Khanapur).
4.2 Ground Water Resources
Central Ground Water Board and Groundwater Survey and
Development Agency (GSDA) have jointly estimated the ground water
resources for the year 2007-08 of Osmanabad district based on GEC-97
methodology. The same are presented in Table-4, whereas the graphical
representations of the resources are shown in Figure-6. Ground water
resources estimation was carried out for 6716.28 sq. km. area.
As per the estimation the annual ground water draft for all uses is

7
estimated as 73722 ham/year with irrigation sector being the major consumer
having a draft of 71830 ham/year. The allocation for domestic and industrial
water requirements for next 25 years is 3700.3 ham/year. The net ground
water availability for future irrigation is estimated as 35620 ham/year. Stage of
ground water development varies from 47 % (Bhoom) to 84 % (Osmanabad).
The overall stage of ground water development for the district is 65.28 %. All
talukas fall under ‘Safe’ category.
Watershed wise, out of 41 watersheds, 36 watersheds fall under “Safe
category” while 5 watersheds fall under “Semi-Critical” category, namely, MR-
12, MR-17, MR-21A, MR-22 and MR-36A.

Figure-6: Ground Water Resources

8
Table-4: Taluka wise Ground Water Resources (2008-09)
Taluka Net annual Annual ground water draft Allocation Groundwate Stage of Is there a significant Category
ground (ham/yr) for domestic r availability groundwat decline of water levels
water & industrial for future er during
availability Irrigation DomesticTotal requirement irrigation developme Pre Post
(ham/yr) & supply upto (ham/yr) nt monsoo monsoon
industrial next 25 (%) n
uses years
(ham/yr)
Osmanabad 20117.87 16527.66 337.14 16864.7 634.65 2935.35 83.83 NO NO safe
Tuljapur 22234.9 10723.52 377.81 9
11101.3 752.07 10738.43 49.93 NO NO safe
Omerga 15989.09 11692.66 280.01 3
11972.6 532.51 3815.22 74.88 NO NO safe
Bhoom 6172.91 2791.92 100.98 7
2892.91 203.93 3205.53 46.86 NO NO safe
Kalamb 15047.20 11468.73 299.44 11768.1 584.39 3077.70 78.21 NO NO safe
Paranda 13332.40 6109.73 197.34 7
6307.06 392.39 6791.90 47.31 NO NO safe
Washi 9233.49 6213.76 150.17 6363.93 300.64 2728.91 68.92 NO NO safe
Lohara 8921.91 6301.79 149.37 6451.16 299.67 2326.92 72.31 NO NO safe
Total 111049.8 71830 1892.3 73722 3700.3 35620 65.28 NO NO safe

9
4.3 Ground Water Quality
In the district, 6 water samples were collected during May 2010. The
partial chemical analysis of these ground water samples is given in Table-5.

Table-5: Chemical analysis of these ground water samples

SN Well No. Village pH EC TA TH NO3 F RSC
1 K/OS-003 Gandhora 8.4 730 260 220 10 0.09 0.80
2 K/OS-039 Sonari 8.3 890 200 225 13 0.50 -0.50
3 K/OS-040 Wakwad 8.4 810 255 225 30 0.01 0.60
4 G/OS-044 Kukudgaon 8.8 530 200 55 1 1.10 2.90
5 G/OS-046 Dhoki 8.4 1610 325 350 79 0.35 -0.50
6 G/OS-059 Yedshi 8.2 2200 330 400 80 0.46 -1.40
Average 8.42 1128.33 261.67 245.83 35.50 0.42 0.32
a) The overall range and average value of pH of the ground water
samples indicates that the ground water in the district is
predominantly alkaline in nature. The pH values also indicate that
the CO2 dissolved in water is existing mainly in the form of HCO3-
while it is also occuring as a CO3 -- in those samples where pH is
more than 8.3. The high values of pH i.e., > 8.5 was found in
Kukudgaon.
b) The measurement of EC of water gives an idea about the ions
concentration in the water. As the concentration of dissolved ions
increases, the water becomes more conductive. The average value
of EC of the samples suggests that the groundwater in the
monitoring wells is fresh in nature.
c) The total alkalinity (TA) of water is its acid neutralizing capacity and
primarily a function of carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxide
content of water. It is expressed in terms of CaCO3. In the ground
water samples from monitoring wells the alkalinity is mainly due to
bicarbonate ions as most of the samples are having pH less than
8.3. In the district the TA of groundwater is found within maximum
permissible limit (300-600 mg/L).
d) The total hardness (TH) is the sum of calcium and magnesium
concentration expressed in terms of CaCO3 in mg/L. The carbonate
and bicarbonate salts of Ca and Mg give temporary hardness to
ground water while chloride and sulphate salts gives permanent
hardness In the district the TH of groundwater is found less than
maximum permissible limit of BIS (600 mg/L) indicating the ground
water is soft in nature.
e) The nitrate concentration observed in ground water is more than the
maximum permissible limit of BIS (45 mg/L) only in Dhoki and
Yedshi, while rest of the samples falling in safe category.
f) The concentration of fluoride is within permissible limit except at
Kukadgaon where it is 1.1 mg/L.
4.3.1 Suitability of Ground Water for Drinking Purpose
The suitability of ground water for drinking purpose is determined
keeping in view the effects of various chemical constituents in water on the

10
biological system of human being. Though many ions are very essential for
the growth of human, but when present in excess, have an adverse effect on
human body. The standards proposed by the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) for drinking water (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003) is given in Table-6.

Table-6: BIS Drinking Water Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003), for

Drinking water
Parameters DL MPL
TDS (mg/L) 500 2000
TH (mg/L) 300 600
Ca (mg/L) 75 200
Mg (mg/L) 30 100
Cl (mg/L) 250 1000
SO4 (mg/L) 200 400
NO3 (mg/L) 45 No relaxation
F (mg/L) 1.0 1.5
(Here, DL- Desirable Limit, MPL- Maximum Permissible Limit.)

The perusal of Table-5 and 6 shows that ground water from these six
places is found potable for drinking except where it crosses the MPL.
However, the concentration of nitrate is found more than MPL at Dhoki and
Yedshi, indicating high influence of anthropogenic activity in the vicinity of the
wells, causing nitrate contamination.
The ground water exploration reveals that the ground water quality in
deeper aquifer is adversely affected by fluoride contamination in Osmanabad,
Tuljapur and Omerga talukas of Osmanabad district. The details are
presented in Table-7.
Table-7: Fluoride Concentration.
S. No. Location Taluka Fluoride
Concentration (mg/L)
1. Yedshi Osmanabad 1.87-2.71
2. Takwiki Osmanabad 1.7
3. Arli Bk Tuljapur 8.1
4. Naldurg Tuljapur 7.1
5. Salgara Devti Tuljapur 1.79
6. Kaldora Omerga 1.34
7. Kasgi Omerga 3.41

Ground water in deeper aquifers are having low TDS and high fluoride
in contrast to the shallow aquifers. Concentration of bi-carbonate ions is found
less in the deeper aquifers unlike in the shallow aquifers and has negative
relation with fluoride.
Thus it is clear that in shallow aquifer potability of ground water is
affected mainly by localised nitrate contamination, whereas in deeper aquifer
it is affected by fluoride contamination in few talukas. Thus, in these areas, all
the wells used for water supply should be first analysed for fluoride and nitrate

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concentration in ground water.
4.3.2 Suitability of Ground Water for Irrigation Purpose
The water used for irrigation is an important factor in productivity of
crop, its yield and quality of irrigated crops. The suitability of irrigation water
depends primarily on the presence of dissolved salts and their concentrations.
Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) are
the most important quality criteria, which influence the water quality and its
suitability for irrigation.
4.3.2.1 Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC)
Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) is considered to be superior to SAR
as a measure of sodicity particularly at low salinity levels. The classification of
ground water samples based on SAR and RSC values for its suitability for
irrigation purpose is shown below in Table-8.
Table-8: Classification of Ground Water for Irrigation based on SAR and RSC.
RSC <1.25 1.25-2.50 >2.50
Category Good Doubtful Unsuitable
Total No. of % No. of % No. of Samples %
Samples Samples Samples
6 5 83 Nil Nil 1 17

The Table-8 shows that the ground water samples from all 5 wells have
RSC values below 1.25 and are suitable for irrigation except at Kukadgaon
where the RSC value is 2.9, and ground water is unsuitable for irrigation
purpose. Overall, the ground water quality in the wells monitored is good for
irrigation purpose and there is a less possibility of developing sodium hazard.
4.4 Status of Ground Water Development
Ground water development depends on many factors viz., availability,
crop water requirement, socio-economic fabric and on the yield of the aquifers
existing in that area. The yields of wells are functions of the permeability and
transmissivity of aquifer encountered and vary with location, diameter and
depth etc. Ground water in the area is being developed by three types of
abstraction structures i.e., dugwells, borewells and dug-cum-borewells.
However dugwells are the main ground water abstraction structures in the
district. The yield of such structures varies from 10 to 40 m 3/day for a
drawdown of about 3 to 8m. High yielding dugwells are generally located in
weathered and fractured basalt occurring in physiographic depressions. Dug-
cum-borewells have vertical bores generally of 30 to 50 m depth from the
bottom of the well. The yield of borewells ranges from nil to as high as 40,000
lph.
6. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (2006-07)
Nos. Potential Created (ha)
Dugwells : 47982 133535
Borewells : 15834 40258
Surface Flow Schemes : 3428 6238
Lift Irrigation Schemes : 4708 11682
Net Irrigated Area : 191713 ha

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 Ground water is predominantly used for irrigation, as it is the major
ground water utilising sector. As per the data available for year 2006-07, area
irrigated by ground water is 1692.59 sq. km., whereas surface water accounts
for only 41.08 sq. km. and the net irrigated area is 1917.13 sq.km. Thus it is
clear that ground water is the major source of irrigation as it accounts for
about 74.50 % of net irrigated area. As per 2006-07 data the district had
63816 irrigation dugwells, which create an irrigation potential of 1737.93
sq.km., out of which 1692.59, of irrigation potential is utilised.
State government has drilled large number of borewells fitted with hand
pumps and electric motors for rural drinking water purposes in the district. In
all till March 2011, GSDA, Government of Maharashtra was successfully
operating 5269 borewells for rural water supply under various schemes in the
district, out of which 799 are fitted with electric pumps and the 4470 are fitted
with hand pumps. In addition to this, numerous dugwells are also the main
source of water supply.

5.0 Ground Water Management Strategy

Ground water has special significance for agricultural development in
the State of Maharashtra. The ground water development in some parts of
the State has reached a critical stage resulting in decline of ground water
levels. There is thus a need to adopt an integrated approach of development
of ground water resources dovetailed with ground water augmentation to
provide sustainability to ground water resource development.
5.1 Ground Water Development
The entire district is underlain by Deccan Trap Basalt. Major parts of
Omerga, Kallamb and small parts of Bhoom-Paranda talukas have low ground
water development potential. The areas with medium ground water
development potential are observed in almost entire part of Osmanabad and
Tuljapur talukas, central part of Bhoom and Paranda talukas. South-western
part of Bhoom taluka, north-eastern part of Paranda taluka, north-western part
of Osmanabad taluka, south-western part of Tuljapur taluka and southern part
of Omerga taluka have high ground water development potential. In these
areas the ground water can be developed through dugwells, dug-cum-bored
wells (DCB) and borewells. The yield of dugwells in the district may be
expected from 10 to 40 m3/day depending on the local hydrogeological
conditions. The nature and yield potential of the aquifers occurring in different
talukas are given in Table-9.
Table-9: Nature and Yield Potential of Aquifers.
S. Taluka Main Aquifer Yield Potential Type of Wells
No. Suitable
1. Osmanabad Basalt Low to High Dugwell
DCB
2. Tuljapur Basalt Medium to High Dugwell
DCB
3. Omerga Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell
DCB
4. Bhoom Basalt Low to High Dugwell
DCB

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5. Paranda Basalt Low to High Dugwell
DCB
6. Kallamb Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell
DCB
7. Lohara Basalt Low to High Dugwell
DCB
8. Washi Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell
DCB

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

In Basaltic area, the artificial recharge structures feasible are check
dams, gully plugs, percolation tanks, nalla bunds, etc. The structures like gully
plugs, contour bunds are most favourable in the hilly areas located in parts of
Bhoom, Paranda, Kallamb, Washi, Tuljapur and Osmanabad talukas. Existing
dugwells can also be used for artificial recharge; however, the source water
should be properly filtered before being put in the wells.
These sites need to be located where the hydrogeological conditions
are favourable, i.e., where sufficient thickness of unsaturated/de-saturated
aquifer exists and water levels are more than 5 m deep.

6.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems

The rainfall data analysed for the period 1901-1999 indicates that
severe drought conditions were experienced in all stations except at Tuljapur,
while moderate drought conditions ranges from 11% at Kallamb to 28% at
Tuljapur. Thus future water conservation and artificial recharge structures may
be prioritised in these parts of the district.
The ground water exploration reveals that the ground water quality in
deeper aquifer is adversely affected by fluoride contamination in Osmanabad,
Tuljapur and Omerga talukas of Osmanabad district The urban areas of
Osmanabad town are also adversely affected by the nitrate contamination.
Hence adequate sanitary protection may be provided to control the nitrate
contamination. In shallow aquifer, potability of ground water is mainly affected
by localised nitrate contamination, whereas in deeper aquifer it is affected by
fluoride contamination in few talukas. Thus, in these areas, all the wells used
for water supply should be first analysed for fluoride and nitrate concentration.

7.0 Mass Awareness and Training Activities

7.1 M.A.P. and W.M.T.P.
Till March 2012, MAP and WMTP are yet to be organised in the district.

8.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA

As per ground water resource estimation all the talukas fall under “Safe”
category, hence till March 2012, no area has been notified either by CGWA or
SGWA.

9.0 Recommendations
1 The entire district is underlain by the Deccan Trap Basalt where only
dugwells are most feasible structures for ground water development.
The sites for borewell need to be selected only after proper scientific

14
 investigation.
2 Borewells generally tap deeper fractures, which may not be sustainable.
Besides, the borewells should only be used for drinking water supply
after proper water quality check and not for irrigation.
3 The overall stage of ground water development for the district is 65.28
%, therefore, scope for further development of ground water resources
exists with proper ground water development plan.
4 South-western part of Bhoom taluka, north-eastern part of Paranda
taluka, north-western part of Osmanabad taluka, south-western part of
Tuljapur and southern part of Omerga talukas have high ground water
potential. In these areas the ground water can be developed through
dugwells, dug-cum-bored wells and borewells. The yield of dugwells in
the district may be expected from 10 to 40 m 3/day depending on the
local hydrogeological conditions.
5 Considering the future ground water stresses, water conservation and
artificial recharge structures needs to be prioritised in Omerga, Tuljapur,
Paranda and Bhum talukas and in parts of Kalamb and Osmanabad
talukas of the district.
6 In shallow aquifer, potability of ground water is affected mainly by
localised nitrate contamination, whereas in deeper aquifer it is affected
by fluoride contamination in few talukas. Thus, in these areas, all the
wells used for water supply should be first analysed for fluoride and
nitrate concentration. Likewise, adequate sanitary protection to the wells
may be provided to control the nitrate contamination.
7 The scope exists for construction of suitable artificial recharge
structures in the district. The structures recommended for the hilly-
basaltic area in parts of Bhoom, Paranda, Washi, Kallamb, Osmanabad
and Tuljapur talukas are: contour bunds, gully plugs, nala bunds and
check dams. For other basaltic areas, the nala bunds, check dams and
KT weirs are suggested. The existing dugwells may also be used for
artificial recharge of ground water provided source water is free of silt
and dissolved impurities.
8 The existing village ponds need to be rejuvenated to act both as water
conservation and artificial recharge structures.

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