Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability Risk in Shallow Aquifers of Kandaihimmat Watershed, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh

Currently, groundwater contamination has become a challenging problem, because of its susceptibility to pollution both by natural and anthropogenic processes. The study focused on the appraisal of vulnerability chances of shallow aquifers of Kandaihimmat watershed. Employing the DRASTIC model which is based on seven hydrogeological data layers viz.: depth to water table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer. By integrating all these data layers within GIS environment vulnerability index of groundwater was prepared. The estimated vulnerability index varies between 121 and 206 and was divided into three vulnerable zones namely high, moderate and low. The results of the study reveal that 38.28 % area of the watershed is coming under low risk, 34.32 % under medium risk and 27.39 % to high risk. Furthermore, validation of the model was done by nitrate contamination in groundwater of the watershed. Results have shown that in high vulnerable zone nitrate was found >10 mg/l, in moderate zone 5–10 mg/l, while in low vulnerable zone 0–5 mg/l. The model has been found applicable for the existing watershed and will help local authorities for managing the groundwater resources of the studied area.