A Review on Artificial Groundwater Recharge in India

Abstract

Artificial groundwater recharge is as a process of induced replenishment of theground water reservoir by human activities. It is the planned, human activity of augmenting the amount of ground water available through works designed to increase the natural replenishment or percolation of surface water into the groundwater aquifers, resulting in a corresponding increase in the amount of groundwater available for abstraction. The primary objective of this technology is to preserve or enhance groundwater resources in various parts of India which includes conservation or disposal of floodwaters, control of saltwater intrusion, storage of water to reduce pumping and piping costs, temporary regulation of groundwater abstractions, and water quality improvement by dilution by mixing with naturally-occurring groundwater (Asano, 1985). In such areas, there is need for artificial recharge of groundwater by methods such as water spreading, recharge through pits, shafts, wells and many more. The choice of a particular method is governed by local topographical, geological and soil conditions; the quantity and quality of water available for recharge; and the technological-economical viability and social acceptability of such schemes. This paper discusses various issues involved in the artificial recharge of groundwater