Unravelling Artificial Groundwater Recharge Sites Using AHP and GIS Techniques in Kareepra Panchayath, Ithikkara River Basin, Kerala, India

The study focuses on identifying optimal sites for artificial groundwater recharge in Kareepra Grama Panchayath, located in the northwest part of the Ithikkara River Basin, Kerala, India. Employing a combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), alongside Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Rural Mapping (PRM) methods, the study aims to address groundwater recharge needs. The research integrates various thematic layers-slope, relative relief, drainage density, land use, sand percentage, available space, geology, geomorphology, and lineament density-into a multi-criteria decision analysis. Results indicate that areas categorized as moderately stable and highly stable are most suitable for recharge activities. Validation with water yield data confirmed the accuracy of the site selection. The study also provides site-specific recommendations for different artificial recharge structures, including infiltration pits, percolation ponds, injection wells, and pond-cum-injection wells. Keywords: Artificial Groundwater Recharge, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Kareepra Panchayath, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Groundwater Management