Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones Using Geospatial Techniques in Kordkhed Nala a Tributary of Lendi River

For the present work, Groundwater Potential Zones (GPZs) study has been undertaken in Kordkhed, nala a tributary stream of Lendi river flowing in two states of India, viz. Maharashtra and Karnataka, using geospatial techniques. It is a part of the arid region (Marathwada) in central Maharashtra. Geologically, streams of Kordkhed nala is flowing over Deccan Volcanic Basaltic Province (DVBP). For GPZs study, first step was attempted as a morphometric analysis of the watershed together with this, eight thematic layers. These are lineament density (Ld), geology, drainage and drainage density (Dd), land cover, geomorphology, slope, soil, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The weight analysis of the layers has been applied for study of the GPZs in Kordkhed nala. The morphometric study reveals that, Kordkhed nala shows high Dd, and stream frequency (Fs) indicates lithology of the area is nonporous in nature, watershed is elongated, and relief and slope analysis shows area is moderately gentle. Lineament density provides 18.4 km2 area under high Ld (14.1%) and is favorable for groundwater recharge. Water availability in the area is very less in summer season. It has been studied using the LULC and NDVI layers. Hydrogeomorphological study shows that a good quantity of groundwater is available in alluvial plain, pediplain, whereas moderate to poor in pediment, moderately dissected and highly dissected plateau, and denudational hill area. The watershed area is classified into the four zones, viz. very good, good to moderate, moderate to poor, and poor for groundwater. Only 2.01 km2 is under excellent (very good) category, good to moderate is 63.9 km2, moderate to poor is 64.6 km2, and poor is 0.28 km2.