Identification of Artificial Recharge Sites in Manchi Basin, Eastern Rajasthan (India) Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to prepare a water resource development action plan for Manchi basin in Eastern Rajasthan (India) using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Satellite data have proven to be very useful for surface study, especially in the preparation of land use/land cover and geomorphological map. Morphometric parameters are analyzed to understand the basin characteristics and its influence on the water resources for instance bifurcation ratio indicates high surface run off and low recharge in SB-I, IV, V. Low drainage density ranges from 2.41 (SB-IV) to 2.99 (SB-V) km/km 2 , with an average of 2.72 km/km 2 showing permeable strata, dense vegetation and low relief. Analysis of shape parameters i.e . elongation ratio and circularity ratio suggest that Manchi basin is elongated in shape. Whereas, slope, geology and geomorphological mapping is done to demarcate groundwater potential zones for future exploration in the study area. Slope is inversely proportional to infiltration. Therefore, sub-basin areas having gentle slope permits less runoff and more infiltration as in alluvial plains and vice versa where hills and ridges are present. The integrated study helps in designing suitable sites for constructing water harvesting structures. Check dams, percolation tanks and nala bund are proposed at 1st, 2nd or 3rd drainage orders at SB-I and SB-IV with ravenous land (open scrub), uncultivated land, open forest & exposed rock present. Nala bund & check dam are proposed at SB-II & SB-V whereas, at SB-III check dams & percolation tanks are proposed so as to conserve the natural resources present in the basin. Finally, the best feasible water harvesting structures have been proposed within the sub-basins area using remote sensing and GIS techniques.