ANNOUNCEMENTS
Groundwater being an indispensable resource from a global standpoint, perhaps the largest freshwater reservoir, other than ice caps. Groundwater holds significance in fulfilling approximately 50% of globe’s drinking water needs and contributes to 43% of total water consumed in irrigation globally (Siebert et al., 2010). But however, due to increased population and rapid development there has been a huge change in water consumption pattern exerting more stress water resources, especially the groundwater resources. Furthermore, this scenario gets more aggravated in arid and semi-arid regions, where the overall water need is satisfied by the groundwater. Kachchh being one such arid region with irregular rainfall pattern depends upon groundwater for fulfilling its water needs. Scanty rainfalls resulting into limited groundwater recharge and saline sandstone aquifers further adds to the prevailing groundwater stresses in the district. The region of Southern Kachchh is known to have a deep groundwater aquifer, which is referred to as the Kankavati Sandstone. The aquifer's regional extent encompasses five coastal blocks, including Abdasa, Mandvi, Mundra, Anjar, and Gandhidham, within the district. Potential water sources are critical for the economic viability of a region, and in Southern Kachchh, the Kankavati Sandstone aquifer being the primary source of water, supports the local economy, particularly through irrigated agriculture. In addition, large-scale industrial development is concentrated in this aquifer region. This study focuses on the concept of Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) implemented on Kankavati Sandstone and also assesses the current groundwater scenario of this large shared aquifer.
Keywords: Groundwater, Kankavati Sandstone, Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM), CCME WQI, IWQI, GIS.
