Impact of urban sprawl on groundwater quality: a case study of Faridabad city, National Capital Region of Delhi

The present study describes the urban sprawl and groundwater quality of Faridabad city of National Capital Region of Delhi. Urban sprawl was analyzed using remote sensing techniques. It was observed that since 2000, the city has experienced pronounced urban sprawl, which resulted in a substantial impact on water quality. The growth of urban areas has resulted in land use/cover changes. The analysis of the results shows the major increase (149 %) of barren land and built-up area (65 %) at the cost of vegetation and fallow land. Groundwater samples were analyzed for chemical parameters. The physico-chemical parameters (total hardness, F, TDS, Ca, Mn, Alkalinity and NO3) of the groundwater varied significantly between seasons and sites. Groundwater quality of site II (industrial area) is highly polluted in comparison of other sites. The impact of urban sprawl on water quality is attributed to the population growth, urbanization, rapid industrialization, and blooming of residential colonies.