Analyzing Factors of Groundwater Potential and Its Relation with Population in the Lower Barpani Watershed, Assam, India

The study explored potential of groundwater in the Lower Barpani watershed of Assam, India. Ten site-specific groundwater factors in the watershed were assigned weights through analytical hierarchy process. The weighted factors were integrated to prepare groundwater potential zones in GIS environment. Results revealed that the northern and northwestern parts of the study area have high groundwater potential. Gentle slope, flood plain, monsoon rainfall and location of numerous wetlands were found to be the major factors of high potential of groundwater in these parts. Medium groundwater potential was found in the southern part of the watershed. High drainage density but comparatively steeper slopes, nature of rocks and low water table have made this part of the watershed to have medium potential for groundwater. Low groundwater potential zone was identified mostly in the southwestern parts of the study area. Steep slope, high rate of runoff and low permeability due to hard rocks were found to be the main factors of low groundwater potential in these parts. Validation of groundwater potential zones with water yield revealed a strong positive relationship. Density of population and groundwater potential were positively correlated, and about 93% variation (r(2) = 0.937) in density of population is explained by variation in groundwater potential. A linear correlation between groundwater zones and density of population suggests dependence of population on availability of groundwater. The methodology adopted in this study can be used for monitoring groundwater prospects for sustainable development and management of water resources in different geographical regions at various scales.