Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zone in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal – A Meso-scale study using GIS and Remote Sensing Approach

The investigation of groundwater in hard rock terrains is a complex task. To overcome this complexity, the integrated approach based on advanced applications of remote sensing and GIS lends itself to evaluate groundwater prospective zone based on multi-criteria evaluation approach (e.g. seasonal land use/land cover and vegetation, hydro-geology, geomorphology, soil, drainage density, monsoon and post monsoon water level and elevation). A probability weightage index overlay method was adopted that allows a linear combination of probability weights of each thematic map with the individual impact value using Bayesian statistics. These capability values are then multiplied with the respective probability weight of each thematic map. The result shows groundwater potentiality of Paschim Medinipur is stretched along the eastern part and in small pockets in northern and southern part. The hydrologic parameters-based groundwater potential zone map also indicated, 8.08% of the study area was classified as having very high potential, 11.99% high potential and 17.72% moderate potential. The groundwater abstractions structures feasible in each of the various potential zones have also been suggested. This study also provides a methodological approach for an evaluation of the water resources in hard rock terrain and enables an opening of the scope for further development and management practices. Keywords: Remote Sensing, GIS, probability weightage index , Groundwater potentiality