Paleochannel delineation and groundwater potential zone mapping of parts of Punjab and Haryana using geospatial approach

Abstract

Paleochannels are the remnants of old river courses that have been rendered defunct either due to climatological, tectonics or anthropogenic influence. The present study is focussed at mapping the paleochannels in parts of Punjab and Haryana, North-West, India and delineating groundwater potential zone along these palaeo-courses so as to establish their relevance in meeting the water requirement goals in the region which is devoid of any major river flowing through it in the current scenario and is extensively dependent on the groundwater. The groundwater in the region is dwindling at a very fast pace and measures need to be taken to combat these issues. The paleochannels have been delineated using various satellite data sets and validated through field work and Google Earth maps. Morphometric and morpho-tectonic analysis of the region has been carried to understand the drainage behviour in the region. The morphometric analysis reveals that the palaeo-courses have been formed due to high sinuosity in the region. The delineation of the groundwater potential zones using geospatial techniques has further proved that these palaeo-courses have high ground water reserve. Further, better groundwater management strategies can be formulated through sustainable measures such as rain water harvesting so that the water during the rainy seasons or monsoons can be tapped, which is otherwise wasted as run-off. Future scope of work has been suggested as GPR studies, OSL dating, groundwater fluctuation monitoring, etc. so as to further understand the paleochannel behavior and how their potential can be harnessed to the maximum. newline