Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and GIS in the Evaluation of Groundwater Recharge Potential of Rajkot District, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Identification and mapping of groundwater recharge potential zones is important step to recharge the aquifer at appropriate locations for maintaining groundwater resource balance with consumption and exploitation. Rajkot district of Gujarat which is fast developing has been selected as study area considering present and future needs of ground water. In this area ground water occurs in weathered basalt and in the area dissected by lineaments (dykes, joints and shears). In the present study the Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is a widely used MultiCriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) technique has been used to assess the groundwater potential zones. Weights to individual parameters were assigned based on AHP method and rates based on the importance of sub-category parameters in the recharge of ground water. Overlay analysis was done to integrate various thematic layers in GIS environment for the development of ground water recharge potential map. Based on this methodology, groundwater recharge potential zones map was classified into three main categories Major part of the area is having medium (46%) to high (36%) recharge potential. This study will help to managers to properly plan to recharge more potential area on priority basis for proper development of ground water resources of the district.