Assessment of Groundwater Pollution Vulnerability Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model and its Validation Using Nitrate Concentration in Tandula Watershed, Chhattisgarh

Effective management of groundwater resources has now become a global issue and on the other hand industrialization, deforestation and agricultural activities are potential sources of groundwater pollution. Groundwater vulnerability index assessment is an effective tool for groundwater management. In this study DRASTIC model was utilized to evaluate aquifer vulnerability of Tandula watershed, Chhattisgarh, India. Aquifer vulnerability of the study area classified into five categories such as very low (18.68%), low (23.84%), moderate (16.42%), high (23.72%) and very high (17.34%) vulnerability. To validate the DRASTIC model, nitrate concentration was selected and found that it is 82.35% accurate which reflects that, DRASTIC model is appropriate to understand groundwater pollution risk assessment. In the study area groundwater is contaminated mainly due to extensive use of fertilizer for agriculture purpose. Present study will be helpful in proper management and development of available groundwater resource in the study area.