Spatio-temporal analysis of groundwater recharge potential and optimal siting of artificial recharge structures using geographic information system -aided analytical hierarchy process approach to improve groundwater quantity and quality

Abstract

Groundwater extraction poses a significant challenge to water security in rapidly urbanizing and industrialized regions. This study assesses groundwater recharge potential zones in Tir-uppur, the major textile hub of South India, using a Geographic Information System (GIS)– based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Multiple thematic layers including lithology, soil, slope, land use/land cover, lineament density, drainage density, and rainfall were integrated through weighted overlay analysis. The resulting recharge potential zones were classified as very low (159.40 km²), low (124.23 km²), moderate (64.25 km²), high (82.11 km²), and very high (215.14 km²). Villages such as Tiruppur, Perumanallur, Mangalam, Veerapandi, and Chettipalaiyam demonstrated high recharge potential and were identified as suitable locations for artificial recharge structures, including percolation tanks, check dams, and nala bunds. The study provides a spatially explicit framework to support groundwater sustainability planning in industrially stressed regions and contributes to long-term water security management strategies.