DETECTION OF GROUND WATER POTENTIAL ZONE USING GIS TECHNIQUES AND AHP IN CHURACHANDPUR SUB - DIVISION, MANIPUR.

Abstract

Groundwater Potential Zonation is critical for sustainable water resource management, particularly in water-stressed regions like Churachandpur subdivision, Manipur. This study employs Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) Techniques to delineate Groundwater potential zones through an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based weighted overlay analysis. Thematic layers such as Geomorphology, Slope, Drainage Density, Soil types, Rainfall, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and Lineament Density were integrated using a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Each parameter is assigned a weight based on its hydrogeological significance and the layers were overlaid to classify the region into five Groundwater Potential Zones: Very high, High, Moderate, Low and Very low. These findings provide a scientific framework for groundwater exploration, aiding policymakers in prioritizing sustainable water management strategies. The study underscores the efficacy of RS-GIS and AHP in groundwater assessment, offering a replicable model for similar subtropical hilly regions. This research will assist concerned authorities in mitigating water scarcity and ensuring long-term water security in Churachandpur subdivision.