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Groundwater is a precious natural resource. In this densely populated country, most of the areas are facing groundwater scarcity. Now, it is very challenging and also important to evaluate the aquifer and set mitigation, management strategy to provide a safe drinking water demand in this present Holocene time. Tantaria watershed of Bemetara district has been considered as study area because of its down going trend of water table and increasing trend of SO4 concentration in groundwater. To manage and set mitigation strategy for this problem, numerical groundwater modeling software GMS has been used. Water level and water sample have been collected from six different places of the study area and water sample have been tested in laboratory; the concentration of SO4 in three wells (Well No. 2, 3 and 4) are more than the acceptable limit. Hydrological data, empirical values and equations are used for the development of the groundwater transient flow-transport model, water budget estimation and to know the impact of over pumping by the help of MODFLOW & MT3D. The developed model is calibrated by matching computed and observed data with a fair level of accuracy. The study shows that the area is under threat with present rate of water extraction i.e., depletion of water table and rise of SO4 concentration. If this condition will proceed then water table of this area will deplete 2–2.5 m till 2022. So to mitigate this future out coming there is a need to reduce the pumping rate 20% than the present time which is deduced from the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cachar district of Assam, India has less cultivated land due to waterlogging of agricultural land in the monsoon period and shortage of surface water in the dry season. But, the area has untapped enormous groundwater which can be extracted from the aquifer to increase cultivation in the dry season. In this regard, a detailed analysis of the groundwater system and a feasible plan for sustainable groundwater management are required. Therefore, a transient state groundwater flow model was developed for the region using MODFLOW. The model was calibrated and validated using the observed groundwater level (1996–2015). The groundwater recharge was estimated using GEC 1997. The results from the model study indicated that the total inflow to the aquifer is 28.47 million cubic meters (mcm) and the outflow is 27.45 mcm. Hence, the rising trend of water level and more waterlogged area were observed. A high hydraulic gradient was visualized in the area vicinity to river Barak, where the flow direction is towards the aquifer in monsoon, and vice-versa in the nonmonsoon period. The model was further predicted for a hypothetical scenario by proposing additional pumping wells for groundwater utilization in agriculture and to reduce the waterlogged areas. Sensitivity analysis shows that model is more sensitive in recharge than hydraulic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient dewatering scheme helps the management authority of mines in decision-making on the minimum quantity of withdrawal of groundwater from open-cast mines to avoid excessive groundwater withdrawal from the mines. Karst aquifers are characterized by a dual flow system consisting of Darcy flow and non-Darcy flow in the Matrix and conduits respectively. Due to lack of site-specific data, it is difficult to model the flow behavior in the dual flow system. This study evaluated equivalent porous medium (EPM) approach and the hybrid approach/combined discrete-continuum approach (CDC) for modeling groundwater flow in a karst aquifer and found that hybrid approach is suitable for modeling the flow in the karst aquifer system. Hybrid approach is applied to derive the optimum dewatering scheme for safe mining of limestone in the Adanakurichi limestone mines of Tamil Nadu, India and was found that an additional 20% increase in pumping is required in the year 2020 compared to 2016 to bring the water level to the limestone bottom. Wavelet coherence diagram was used to identify the interrelation between rainfall and groundwater levels, and also between the groundwater levels at different locations. The results from the study will be helpful for the better management of groundwater control operations in karst aquifers, under various safe level of operations. MODFLOW 2005 was used to model the aquifer based on EPM approach and for modeling based on hybrid approach conduit flow process (CFP) Mode 1in MODFLOW was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological sustainable development and planning of groundwater resources is an excessive challenge for many countries currently facing water insufficiency. The main focus of this work was to determine the direction of groundwater flow, head value, and water level using the steady-state finite difference model (MODFLOW software) in basaltic formations in Maharashtra, India. The MODFLOW model was integrated with ground data using Geographic Information System (GIS) for sustainable groundwater resource management in the hard rock terrain. The MODFLOW-2005 model simulated the interaction between heads and time in 2014–18 by steady-state conditions. In this present study, four observation wells were selected. During the field survey, four observation wells have been monitored regularly as per the Central Groundwater Board guidelines. MODFLOW software has been conceptualized as a double-layered rigid and fractured aquifer area feast over 18,312 m × 11,265 m area. This research demonstrates that the integration of GIS, conventional fieldwork, and mathematical model can support to understand groundwater demand and supply in a better way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater-dependent agricultural intensification has led to unsustainability of groundwater systems in many parts of the world. The unconfined aquifers in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP) of India are one of the most extensive aquifer systems in South Asia and are prone to ever intensifying agricultural systems. This paper aims at evaluating the long-term impacts of agricultural intensification on groundwater dynamics in an agriculturally important sub-region of EIGP. The study proposes a multi-model approach, combining the capabilities of vadose zone model (HYDRUS-1D) and aquifer simulation model (MODFLOW) to analyse the recharge and discharge mechanisms in the alluvial Gangetic Plains. The study mathematically reconstructed the vadose zone and aquifer geometry and implemented them into flow models. We demonstrate that the loosely coupled vadose zone and groundwater flow modelling framework is highly suitable for simulating the impact of changed cropping intensity on groundwater dynamics. The recharge estimates from HYDRUS-1D and calibration of regional groundwater flow model offered a robust set of parameter values for the prevalent conditions of EIGP. The results show good correspondence between the observed and simulated water table levels during calibration, with RMSE = 0.56–0.59 m, NSE = 0.76–0.99 and R2 = 0.83–0.91, all within acceptable limits. Projections showed that although the water table in the region would remain fairly stable under lower levels of cropping intensity (135–150%), further increase to 200 and 300% would lead to water table decline at the rate of 0.87 and 1.83 m per year, respectively. These changes could therefore impact future groundwater risk management in EIGP. This reinforces the view that groundwater-dependent intensification may be sustainable in long term only if adaptation strategies and compensatory measures are adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The groundwater modelling tool is an important structural tool for solving many groundwater-related problems. Visual-MODFLOW is one of such tool that uses finite-difference (FD) method to unravel the problems. In this paper, Visual-MODFLOW 2000 has been utilized for analysing the groundwater-level simulation in Purba (East) Midnapur, West Bengal, India. The data of pumping well discharge have been collected at two different time periods 2002 and 2012. The simulated pumping well records for 2012 based on the pumping well discharges measured in 2002 and the observed records in 2012 have been critically examined, compared, and correlation coefficients are found out to signify data validity. Also simulated groundwater-level data of 2019 to 2023 based on well discharge records in 2002 and 2012 have also been correlated for its justification. This paper concluded that the groundwater flow occurs from south to north direction of East Midnapur, as the saline water intrusion from the nearby sea takes place into the aquifers towards inland direction. It confirms a good agreement with future simulation data. In the real field situation, saline water encroachments have affected the aquifers and it has covered up to 50 km of location from Kalindi (near seashore) to Nandakumar (inland) location. This paper focuses on the groundwater-level forecasting in prospective groundwater managing scenarios in the region concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study impact of climate change on groundwater recharge is investigated and the carbon emission from groundwater irrigation is assessed under projected climate change scenarios for Karnal district of Haryana state in India. HYDRUS-1D and MODFLOW models were used to simulate the climate change impacts on groundwater recharge for different projected climate change scenarios. Simulation results showed that groundwater recharge would increase marginally by 2030 over the baseline year of 2008 under the scenario based on ARIMA predictions, which considered the effect of all climate parameters. However, under the scenarios, which considered only rise in temperature, groundwater recharge would decrease by 0.07-0.22 m. Rise in temperature by 3.5°C and 4.3°C along with 9% and 16% increase in rainfall over the base year would increase the recharge by 0.09 m and 0.14 m respectively. The study also revealed that the effect of climate change on cumulative recharge would be more in sugarcane fields than in rice fields. Carbon emission of groundwater irrigation under the scenarios based on rise in temperature only would increase by a minimum of 12 kg CO2/ha in pearl millet crop by the year 2030 to a maximum of 3250 kg CO2/ha for sugarcane crop by the end of this century. Estimated total carbon emission in 2030 would be 345,857 metric tonne from groundwater irrigation in Karnal district which is 87,474 metric tonne more than the baseline emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is focused on steady-state groundwater modelling in Begamganj block of Bina river basin in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Bina river is a main source of water for the domestical and irrigation supply for the local people. Results provided by the modelling after proper calibration and validation are helpful to identify the water scarce zone which can be further helpful in applying management strategies for meeting groundwater demand for the future need. In this steady state modelling, the top aquifer has been taken into account for the simplification of the model process. Aquifers below the top aquifer were not found suitable in meeting the water quality parameter for domestic usage, as per the norms of Government of India. Management strategies can be applied for the sustainable development of groundwater aquifer in the study area. ILWIS an open source GIS software was used to prepare the required files for the input of Visual MODFLOW. Aquifer data was collected from the data provided by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India and Water Resources Department (WRD) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. The validation of the model was carried out by matching the field value collected by CGWB and WRD. After identification of water scare zone management tools can be applied for rejuvenation in the aquifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent changes in land use practices, such as increase in orange orchards in central India, has put undue pressure on the groundwater resources. Excess withdrawal from the aquifers has resulted in groundwater table decline. The stage of groundwater development in some watersheds has reached 155.85 %, converting these into overexploited watersheds. In the present research paper, a groundwater flow model has been developed to evaluate the groundwater system in a basaltic terrain with Bazada formation. A conceptual model has been developed and calibrated for steady and transient states and the sensitivity analysis was carried out. Future predictions, for current scenario where present practices are continued and for scenario with 20 % reduction in groundwater draft have been made, to select the best strategy for mitigating the problem. The modeling results show that the decline in groundwater level in basaltic and Bazada unconfined aquifers will result into drying up (water level more than 15 m bgl) of 243 km area by 2020. To restore the groundwater level, it is simulated that the groundwater draft rate must be reduced by 20 % for next 10 years. It may be achieved by adopting groundwater management strategies, particularly for irrigation sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater in the Coimbatore region is very much essential for irrigation and human beings' day-to-day life activities. This research focuses on the impact of anthropogenic activities on the surface water quality of four tanks in Coimbatore city and its influences on disturbing the groundwater quality as well. Water quality is degrading as a result of encroachment and other anthropogenic activities. The disposal of municipal garbage and waste from other enterprises into the nearby tank degrades the quality of the water in the tanks. This pollutant-concentrated surface water, together with the leech organism, may percolate via the pore spaces between soil particles, where it will interact with groundwater. The quality of groundwater will be impacted as a result of this interaction. As a result, water quality metrics for both surface and groundwater have been assessed in this study, and spatial interpolation was performed using ArcGIS. The map of the spatial distribution of water quality was produced using ArcGIS. This spatially interpolated water quality map helped researchers understand how the quality of surface and groundwater changed over time. Visual MODFLOW and MT3D were used to simulate the groundwater flow. The MODFLOW program is used to simulate the direction of groundwater flow based on groundwater level and rainfall data. The output of MT3D allowed for accurate calculation of the pollutant movement's amount and direction. In this study, chloride was used as the pollutant transport parameter. A semi-structured interview has been done in the study region to find out more about the availability of drinking water, how waste is disposed of, and how diseases are spread among residents who live close to the tanks., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Highlights: [•] Development of groundwater simulation model is first of its kind in the study area. [•] ANN model developed for groundwater level forecasting in the study area. [•] ANN model provided better prediction of groundwater levels for shorter horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single layer mathematical model was developed to simulate the hydrogeological condition and groundwater flow in an area of about 2536 Sq km, which forms part of the WYC Command area. The model was run both for the steady state and for the transient state. The model was then successfully calibrated. The calibration results were recorded qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of the calibrated model were analyzed. Two Scenarios developed alonwith six scenarios created earlier, in another modeling study, were analyzed to find out a sustainable solution for optimal utilization of surface and ground water. The two Scenarios developed show that a viable solution will be reduction in pumping and regulated surface water supply. This will ameliorate water logging in the nearby areas. The reduction in pumping and thereby, reduction of return flow recharging groundwater can be achieved by improving water use efficiency and modifying/changing cropping pattern. These strategies can be successfully implemented, through mass awareness programmes, involving the farmers, who have to implement the programme, along with all the other stake holders. Ultimately reduction of groundwater pumping can be achieved through strict groundwater regulation. Direct recharge by way of seepage through canal can be reduced by lining the unlined canals and proper repair and maintenance of the already lined canals. But this has to be tested through a pilot project vis-a-vis economic viability of this lining, as seepage may be indirectly helping groundwater recharge in areas without water logging. Further to increase the availability of surface water and augment recharge of groundwater, the surface run off from the precipitation, can be utilized in various ways to reduce to decline of groundwater level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The mountainous Himalayan watersheds are important hydrologic systems responsible for much of the water supply in the Indian sub-continent. These watersheds are increasingly facing anthropogenic and climate-related pressures that impact spatial and temporal distribution of water availability. This study evaluates temporal and spatial distribution of water availability including groundwater recharge and quality (non-point nitrate loadings) for a Himalayan watershed, namely, the Upper Yamuna watershed (part of the Ganga River basin). The watershed has an area of 11,600 km(2) with elevation ranging from 6300 to 600 m above mean sea level. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a physically-based, time-continuous model, has been used to simulate the land phase of the hydrological cycle, to obtain streamflows, groundwater recharge, and nitrate (NO3) load distributions in various components of runoff. The hydrological SWAT model is integrated with the MODular finite difference groundwater FLOW model (MODFLOW), and Modular 3-Dimensional Multi-Species Transport model (MT3DMS), to obtain groundwater flow and NO3 transport. Validation of various modules of this integrated model has been done for sub-basins of the Upper Yamuna watershed. Results on surface runoff and groundwater levels obtained as outputs from simulation show a good comparison with the observed streamflows and groundwater levels (Nash-Sutcliffe and R(2) correlations greater than +0.7). Nitrate loading obtained after nitrification, denitrification, and NO3 removal from unsaturated and shallow aquifer zones is combined with groundwater recharge. Results for nitrate modeling in groundwater aquifers are compared with observed NO3 concentration and are found to be in good agreement. The study further evaluates the sensitivity of water availability to climate change. Simulations have been made with the weather inputs of climate change scenarios of A2, B2, and A1B for end of the century. Water yield estimates under climate change scenarios have been made and implications on groundwater and groundwater quality have been assessed. The delicate groundwater resource balance that connects livelihoods of millions of people seems to be under tremendously increasing pressure due to the dynamic conditions of the natural environment of the region and the future climate changes., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)