Pilot project on aquifer mapping in five states

Government has undertaken a pilot project on aquifer mapping in parts of five states, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Union Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat shared the information in response to questions whether the Government has undertaken the project as was proposed in 12th five-year plan.
The project was mooted to delineate aquifer disposition and their characterisation along with quantification and for preparation of aquifer/area specific ground water management plans.
A sum of Rs 2051 crore was earmarked for the purpose in the plan.
"A pilot project on aquifer mapping has been undertaken in six areas of five states namely Maharashtra (part of Nagpur district), Rajasthan (parts of Dausa and Jaisalmer districts), Bihar (part of Patna district), Karnataka (part of Tumkur district) and Tamil Nadu (part of Cuddalore district) using advanced geophysical survey," Jat replied.

The Minister informed the heliborne geophysical survey has been completed covering a total area of about 2000 sq km. Outcome of the survey has helped in delineation of aquifer disposition in vertical and horizontal dimensions.
"On the basis of the results, efficacy of different geophysical techniques has been ascertained and protocols for the use of geophysical techniques for aquifer mapping in different hydro-geological terrains has been established," he added.