HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDIES OF KANHAR RIVER BASIN

Abstract

Hydrogeology is a combination of hydrology and geology. Hydrology is linked with geology. The linking subject is hydrometeorology. For example, the rainfall Chydrometeorology) on earth surface (geology) produces runoff (hydrology). Therefore, study of hydrogeology, is essential for rational planning and management of water resources projects. As the subject field of hydrogeologyis very wide, it was proposed to carry out hydrogeological studies of an experimental basin, namely Kanhar river basin. The basin lies in a tribal, remote area of three major states of India, facing acute shortage of water. Data available from different sources were collected. It was found that available data were not sufficient and therefore, a search was made for alternative data sources. Among the modern techniques, the remote sensing technique has proved its capabilities of being real time recording and synoptic viewing of ari area. The gap between available and needed data was fulfilled with the aid of remote sensing techniques. The required data base were generated by the preparation and analysis of maps and figures, viz. drainage network map, pedological map, land use/land cover maps etc. The data available and the methodology of study decides and depends on the model available and adopted for the study. As a result of literature survey, it was found that the SCS model is most suitable for the study, with some modification. The SCS model require three basic parameters Cl) rainfall, (2) hydrologic soil type. and (33 land cover of the area. Rainfall data have been evaluated through hydrometeoroiogical study; hydrologic soil type have been decided through geological, geomorphological and pedological studies; and land cover data have been evaluated through land,use/land cover study. The computed runoff was suitably adjusted for interflow/baseflow through subsurface flow study. Final computed runoff compares well with observed data. Thus the model was calibrated for predicting runoff in the basin. The result of the studies were used to synthesise C1) hydrologic soil type by geomorphic parameters, C23 interflow/baseflow separation, (3) relation between 04 value. soil factor and land cover factor and (5) effect of hydrogeological parameters on hydrogeology of the basin.