APPLICATION OF ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP) IN IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ZONES IN DELHI, INDIA

Abstract

The utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) offers a wide range of applications for groundwater assessment, delineation, discovery, and resource management. The aim of the present study is to establish a long-term plan for groundwater consumption by implementing novel approaches that ensure the proper utilization and effective maintenance of critical groundwater resources. In this study, GIS techniques, employing Satty's analytical hierarchy method (AHP), were used to demarcate groundwater potential zones in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of India. Seven spatial and non-spatial thematic layers, including Slope, Geology, Rainfall, Soil, Land use / Land cover, Soil, Lineament, and Drainage Density, were examined in the GIS software, and appropriate weights were assigned to define the Groundwater potential zones. An integrated map for Delhi, India was generated as a result. The groundwater potential areas were categorized into five zones: 1-very poor, 2-poor, 3-moderate, 4-good, and 5- very good. The very poor class covered an area of 12.87 km2, poor class covered 174.24 km2, moderate class covered 695.58 km2, good class covered 592.61 km2, and very good class covered 23.08 km2, respectively. This study helps in effective resource management, water supply planning, agricultural development, environmental protection, and disaster management. By understanding the distribution and availability of groundwater, stakeholders can make informed decisions to ensure sustainable use and protection of this valuable resource.