Journal of Geography and Earth Sciences

Ground Water Resources of Darrang District (Old), Assam: Utilization and Management Issues
Purabi Hazarika, A.K.Bora

Abstract
Ground water or sub-surface water which occurs below the ground surface has now become an important resource though man has long been familiar with its development and uses. In the context of present day crisis of surface water, proper development, utilization and management of ground water resources constitute one of the principal components of development. Hydrogeologically, the entire Darrang district is occupied by alluvial sediments of Quaternary Age and thus, with sufficient ground water recharge from normally occurring rainfall the area has good ground water resource prospect. This paper is an attempt to analyze the spatio-temporal variations of ground water availability, quality, utilization and its management. In order to assess ground water availability, a sample survey was carried out covering the entire district during March and November, 2012 representing the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons respectively. Water samples collected were analysed for quality assessment for the entire district and the results show marked variations in the regional occurrences of ground water with increasing potentials from north to central and southern parts of the district. Chemical analysis of collected water samples reveals that the ground water is fresh and suitable for both the domestic and irrigation purposes though sporadically higher concentration of iron has been noticed. In spite of good ground water resource prospect in the district, its development and utilization level is still not satisfactory. It is mainly used for drinking purpose and to a limited extent for irrigation purposes also. In a situation of meagre amount of rainfall during winter and uncertain monsoon rainfall during summer resulting crop failure, the potential ground water resources may be effectively used as the best alternative for which an assessment of its status, availability, utilization and management is urgently required.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jges.v2n2a3