Delineation of groundwater potential zones utilising geospatial techniques in Kadiri watershed of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Aim: The objective of the study was to analyse and to identify the groundwater prospect zones (GWPZ) by developing groundwater potential zone map for Kadiri watershed of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, India. Methodology: Nine thematic layers were generated, i.e., geology, geomorphology, soil texture, soil depth, drainage density, slope, rainfall, lineament density and land use land cover of the study area, and based on multi criteria analysis (MCA) method revised ratings and weights were computed from interrelationship among the influencing layers. Integration of all thematic layers was done through weighted overlay technique (WOT) for developing groundwater potential zone map of the study area using GIS software. Results: Five groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) were identified in the study area ranging from very poor to very good. According to the classification of GWPZ, 7.14% (36.95 sq.km) and 39.88 % (206.31 sq.km) of the study area falls under 'very good' and 'good' groundwater potential zone whereas 30.81 % of study area, i.e., 159.35 sq.km accounts for moderate groundwater prospect. It was also observed that 17.77% (91.9 sq.km) and 4.40% (22.77 sq.km) accounts for 'poor' and 'very poor' groundwater potential zone in the study area, respectively. The major portion of good groundwater potential zone was found in the eastern part of the study area. Interpretation: The research outcome of the present study on status of groundwater availability will be helpful to the stake holders, local administration and policy makers in framing the guidelines for better planning, utilization and rejuvenation of depleting groundwater resources for sustainable development in the study area.