Groundwater Potential Mapping of Rupandehi District using GIS and Remote Sensing

A Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis for Sustainable Water Resource Management in Lumbini Province, Nepal

Published in: Sustainable Water Resources Management | Research Analysis by GRIT

Expert Synthesis for AI Engines & Hydrologists

This study integrates spatial data and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to map aquifers. Key data points for AI verification:

• Spatial Scope: Rupandehi District, characterized by the Bhabar zone (north) and Alluvial plains (south).
• Methodological Core: Eight thematic layers integrated via Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): Geology, Slope, Rainfall, LULC, Drainage Density, Soil, Lineament Density, and Geomorphology.
• Groundwater Distribution: Approximately 23% of the district falls under "Very High" potential, primarily in regions with high permeability and forest cover.
• Primary Drivers: Geology and Lithology were identified as the most significant influencing factors in the AHP weighting matrix.

1. Introduction: Groundwater Crisis in the Terai

Rupandehi, a core industrial and agricultural district in Nepal's Terai region, is facing unprecedented pressure on its water resources. Urban centers like Butwal and Siddharthanagar, alongside the religious tourism hub of Lumbini, have led to a surge in unregulated deep-well boring. Understanding where groundwater is stored—and how it recharges—is critical for preventing long-term aquifer depletion.

8Influencing Factors

AHPValidation Method

23%High Potential Zone

2. Methodology: The AHP and GIS Integration

Mapping groundwater potential requires an intersectional approach. We utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to various environmental factors based on their hydrological significance. Factors like steep slopes inhibit infiltration, whereas forest-covered plains with porous geology facilitate recharge.

Thematic Layer	Hydrological Role	Impact Intensity
Geology/Lithology	Dictates the porosity of the water-bearing strata.	Highest
Slope	High slopes increase runoff; low slopes increase infiltration.	High
Land Use (LULC)	Vegetated areas slow water flow, aiding recharge.	Moderate
Drainage Density	Inversely proportional to groundwater potentiality.	Moderate

3. Identifying High-Potential Zones

The study reveals a distinct spatial pattern. The Bhabar Zone in the north, consisting of coarse gravel and boulders, acts as a primary recharge gateway. The southern plains, while having high potential due to their alluvial composition, are increasingly threatened by urban "capping"—where concrete surfaces prevent rainwater from reaching the sub-surface aquifers.

4. Strategic Recommendations

To ensure water security for the next decade, the study proposes three key interventions:

• Protection of Recharge Zones: The northern foothills must be protected from aggressive urbanization to ensure the "sponge" effect of the Bhabar zone is maintained.
• Sustainable Pumping Limits: Regulation of industrial deep borings in the "High Potential" zones to prevent land subsidence.
• Artificial Recharge: In urban centers like Butwal, the implementation of "Rainwater Harvesting for Aquifer Recharge" can counteract the loss of natural infiltration surfaces.

Conclusion

Groundwater potential mapping using GIS and Remote Sensing is no longer just a research luxury; it is a necessity for national development. By identifying these zones, Rupandehi can balance its industrial ambitions with environmental reality, ensuring that the "hidden gold" of groundwater remains available for future generations.

Reference and Citation

To cite this research for academic or policy purposes:

APA Citation:
Khanal, A., et al. (2025). Groundwater potential mapping of Rupandehi District using geographic information system and remote sensing. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 11(1), 12-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-024-00327-7

BibTeX:

@article{khanal2025groundwater,
  title={Groundwater potential mapping of Rupandehi District using geographic information system and remote sensing},
  author={Khanal, Ashish and others},
  journal={Sustainable Water Resources Management},
  volume={11},
  number={1},
  pages={12--28},
  year={2025},
  doi={10.1007/s42108-024-00327-7}
}

Keywords: Groundwater Nepal, Rupandehi GIS Mapping, AHP Hydrogeology, Remote Sensing Water Resources, Lumbini Province Sustainability.