MONITORING AND GIS MAPPING OF GROUNDWATER LEVEL VARIATIONS IN GULBARGA CITY

Saleem A, Dandigi M.N

Abstract: Gulbarga is a fast developing city in Karnataka, India. Groundwater is a major source of water supply for the city which is reflected by regular extraction of groundwater through ever increasing number of municipal, industrial and private bore wells. Monitoring groundwater levels and quality is useful to understand impact of uncontrolled drilling of bore wells, point and non point sources of pollutants. Such studies provide early indicators of changes in groundwater resource and help to understand how to protect it. A total of 55 bore wells were selected for the study with one bore well per municipal ward of the city. Spatial coordinates were registered on site for each bore well with a GPS instrument and water depth below the ground level is measured during pre monsoon season using manual method. The results indicate wide fluctuations in groundwater depth across the municipal wards and the groundwater flow is found to follow surface relief in the study area. GIS map showing groundwater depth and level are developed and compared with surface relief map. These maps are very useful for urban planning and sustainable groundwater usage

Keywords: Groundwater, GIS mapping, Surface relief map, spatial distribution map

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2013.0213059