Assessment of groundwater drought vulnerability and delineation of sites for artificial recharge - a case study

Drought impacts both surface water and groundwater, which leads to reduced supply. Groundwater drought indicates continuous depletion of groundwater level, storage and discharge. Assessment of groundwater drought conditions is necessary for effective planning of drought management strategies. In this study, the drought vulnerability of Chittur Block in Palakkad, Kerala is assessed by the occurrence of groundwater drought and is mapped using geographic information system (GIS). A strategy for the effective implementation of artificial recharge schemes is proposed to combat future drought conditions. A combination of GIS and weighted parameter approach (WPA) is employed to delineate safe, suitable locations for artificial groundwater recharge. Site specific recharging structures such as check dams, infiltration pits, injection wells and percolation ponds are recommended within the 65% area which was identified as most conducive for artificial recharge.