Delineation of optimal locations for artificial groundwater recharge utilizing MIF and GIS in a semi-arid area

Increased demand for groundwater resources and decreased accessibility require long-term groundwater conservation, particularly in metropolitan settings. The current contribution aims to identify potential groundwater recharge zones in Afghanistan’s Kabul basin through water conservation measures. The study includes the watershed of Kabul City, which directly impacts groundwater from hydrological and hydrogeological points of view. Therefore, considering these conditions, the present study has proposed specific methods for recharging groundwater. A comprehensive approach has been employed, including multi-influencing factors, remote sensing data, and geographic information systems. Geology, geomorphology, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, soil type, land use and land cover, and slope are geo-environmental factors. The findings show that geology, geomorphology, lineament density, and slope are the major determinants of groundwater recharge in the studied region. According to the appropriateness for groundwater recharge, the projected recharge potential zones of the basin are divided into four groups: very good (8.45% of the area), good (36.4%), moderate (35.4%), and least (19.7%). The very good and good recharge zones cover about half of the basin, making it perfect for various groundwater-recharging techniques. Based on the diversity of geo-environmental factors of the study area, various methods of artificial groundwater recharge have been recommended for different regions. These methods include check dams, contour trenches, recharge wells, and rooftop rainwater harvesting with the addition of recharge wells. The study’s findings will help sustainably develop the area’s groundwater management strategies.