HYDROCHEMICAL AND• CONJUNCTIVE USE STUDIES OF SURFACE AND GROUND WATERS IN . RAIPUR.LUNI-COMMAND, DISTRICT PALI (RAJASTHAN)

Abstract

The arid and semi-arid regions have general scarcity of surface and ground water both. Ground water and surface water are the components of the same system. To develop irrigation potential surface water is stored with the help of dams. The stored water is applied for irrigation which artificially recharges the aquifers. It has been observed that on the availability of surface water the ground water development is completely ignored. This attributes to a rise of water table and in course of time results in water logging. The water logging deteriorates the subsurface water quality and also - makes the soil unsuitable for crop's growth. Therefore it becomes imperative to plan the joint optimal use of both surface and ground waters. For planning and management of water resources we need to know all the inputs and outputs and their interaction with the aquifer. The aquifer isn't a single isolated entity. The local and regional geological frame work along with the physiography plays a significant role in aquifer's response to . different inputs and outputs. The problem of water logging in Raipur-Luni-Command has been studied using Aquifer Response Model. The model has been calibrated and used for forecasting. The water quality of surface and . ground water is studied along with hydrogeological conditions. Different classifications and - criteria are used to assess the suitability of ground water for drinking and irrigational purposes. It is found that the ground water from Canal Command Area is neither suitable for drinking nor irrigation owing to its very high saliri:ty and boron toxicity. The ground water -from the non 'command area is by and large suitable for drinking and it can be used for irrigation by adding gypsum.