Assessment of water demand and potential water sources to face future water scarcity of hilly regions

Abstract

In this work, an attempt is made to predict the future water demand of a hilly region. The study area is selected based on the population and the water demand. For this work, Namunaghar and Wandoor Panchayats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are selected. Initially, preliminary studies such as the current population and future growth and their water demand were analyzed. Also, using a geographical information system (GIS), the study area is located to identify the surface and groundwater sources. From the GIS data, a detailed map is prepared to conduct the physical verification and collect the water quality measurement. From the population forecast, it was identified that 435,000 and 480,300 l of water are required to meet the water demand in the year 2031 in Namunaghar and Wander Panchayat, respectively. It also assessed the GIS data and found out potential water sources of 157 (67 wells, 58 ponds, and other minor sources) and 485 (215 wells, 229 ponds, and other minor sources) at Namunaghar and Wandoor Panchayats, respectively. Finally, all the potential water sources were checked for quality for drinking purposes.