Strategic Groundwater Management Using Aquifer Mapping: A Gram Panchayat Level Study in Tumkur district, Karnataka

Groundwater sustainability and management are crucial for regions experiencing resource depletion. This study focuses on aquifer mapping and strategic groundwater management at the Gram Panchayat level in Bukkapatna, Koratagere Taluk, Tumkur District, Karnataka, India. The study aims to develop a comprehensive groundwater management plan that ensures sustainable and equitable resource utilization, particularly in an area with an agriculture-driven economy and a semi-arid climate characterized by low rainfall and seasonal water scarcity. Field investigations were conducted to assess hydrogeological parameters, including rock formations, aquifer characteristics, groundwater levels, water quality, and irrigation practices. The study identifies two primary aquifer systems—an unconfined phreatic aquifer and a semi-confined fractured aquifer. Data analysis led to the creation of aquifer disposition and groundwater quality maps, enabling the development of targeted management plans. The study highlights significant issues such as declining groundwater levels, inefficient irrigation practices, and inadequate recharge structures. Management recommendations include supply-side measures like desilting tanks, constructing recharge structures, and implementing rainwater harvesting, alongside demand-side measures such as reviving traditional water bodies” Talapariges”,promoting micro-irrigation, reducing water wastage, and fostering community participation in groundwater governance. Results indicate that while groundwater quality is generally suitable for consumption, localized contamination issues exist due to agricultural runoff. To enhance groundwater sustainability, the study advocates for a participatory groundwater management approach, integrating scientific data with community-based interventions. The proposed framework provides a replicable model for sustainable groundwater governance at the village level, ensuring long-term water security and resilience in semi-arid regions.