Groundwater Level Trend Analysis for Sustainable Extraction and Use in Coastal Odisha

Abstract

Groundwater level indicates groundwater availability, flow and physical characteristics of an aquifer. The availability of groundwater depends on rainfall and recharge pattern. As the use of groundwater is steadily increasing, it becomes imperative to analyze and understand the trend of groundwater recharge and use pattern employing the trend analysis of groundwater level. In this regard, a study of trend analysis of groundwater level has been done for the coastal districts of Odisha, India. The trend analysis is conducted in such coastal districts where the groundwater is affected by salinity problems. The trend analysis is done for seven coastal districts of Odisha: Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Puri, Jajpur and Ganjam. Mann Kendall trend analysis is essential for the exploration of the trend of groundwater level by using the data from 1998 to 2017 for a network of 272 locations categorized in four seasons such as pre-monsoon, mid-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Results indicate that for groundwater level there is an increasing trend in 206 locations and decreasing trend in 66 locations during pre-monsoon period; in mid-monsoon period there is an increasing trend in 152 locations and decreasing trend in 120 locations; in post-monsoon period there is an increasing trend in 142 locations and decreasing trend in 130 locations; and in winter there is an increasing trend in 113 locations and decreasing trend in 159 locations. Such analysis can help the planners and managers in decision-making with regard to the extent of groundwater to be extracted and used in different locations and in different seasons. Besides, it will also help in making strategies for rainwater harvesting and augmentation of groundwater recharge activities.