DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess potential sites for groundwater recharge in Jand tehsil using a geospatial approach and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to manage rainwater and groundwater resources efficiently.

Methodology

The study employed a mixed methodology combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Weighted-Sum-Overlay analysis. Six thematic layers representing conditioning factors were used: rainfall, slope, drainage density, geology, soil, and land use/land cover. These factors were spatially analyzed using GIS and remote sensing data. An AHP-based paired comparison matrix was developed to calculate the weight of each criterion, followed by weighted overlay analysis to generate a groundwater potential suitability map.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Data Collection: Rainfall, Slope, Drainage Density, Geology, Soil, Land Use/Land Cover] --> B[Spatial Database Construction];
    B --> C[AHP Model Application];
    C --> D[Weight Calculation for Each Factor];
    D --> E[Weighted Overlay Analysis];
    E --> F[Groundwater Potential Suitability Map Generation];
    F --> G[Site Selection and Classification];
    G --> H[Conclusion and Recommendations];                    

Discussion

The research highlights the effectiveness of geospatial techniques and the AHP model in identifying potential groundwater recharge regions. The findings indicate that factors like slope angle, soil type, geological formations, precipitation, and land cover significantly influence groundwater recharge potential. The study emphasizes the need for modern techniques for efficient groundwater resource management, especially in areas facing water scarcity.

Key Findings

The study identified three best groundwater recharge sites. The suitability of the study region was classified as: high suitable (34%), moderate suitable (35%), and low suitable (31%). Rainfall, land use, and soil parameters were found to have relatively high importance, followed by slope, drainage density, and geology.

Conclusion

The AHP model, integrated with GIS, proved to be an efficient tool for mapping groundwater potential in the Jand tehsil. The generated groundwater potential maps are valuable for land-use development authorities and can aid in detailed groundwater development and long-term water supply management. The study underscores the significance of identifying groundwater potentials for decision-making in resource management and identifying areas vulnerable to land resource management challenges.

Fact Check

- Pakistan is the fourth largest user of groundwater among all countries (after India, the USA, and China). (Confirmed in text)
- In Punjab, about 90% of the population is dependent on groundwater for domestic needs. (Confirmed in text)
- The study area experiences an average mean daily temperature of 43°C in summer and an average minimum daily temperature of 1°C in winter. (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map