Geo-Spatial Assessment of Groundwater Potential under Changing Land Use Patterns in the Amravati Basin

Abstract: The Amravati Basin, located in Maharashtra, India, has undergone significant land use and land cover (LULC) changes over the past decade due to increasing anthropogenic activities such as urban expansion, agricultural intensification, and infrastructure development. These changes have had a direct impact on the region’s groundwater potential, a critical resource for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs. This study investigates the influence of LULC transformations on groundwater potential zones using an integrated approach involving remote sensing, GIS, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Satellite imagery from 2014 and 2024 was analyzed to assess LULC changes, which revealed a notable decline in forest cover and a rise in built-up and agricultural land. Groundwater potential zones were delineated by integrating thematic layers such as soil, geology, slope, and drainage density. The results show that forested and agricultural areas contribute positively to groundwater recharge, while urban and barren lands correlate with poor recharge potential. A moderate negative statistical correlation (r = -0.64) between LULC changes and groundwater zones underscores the adverse effects of certain land use practices. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable land management strategies to enhance groundwater recharge and ensure long-term water security in the Amravati Basin.