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ORIGINAL ARTICLE Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

P. Mohana 1, P. M. Velmurugan 2 and K. Santhanam 3

1Centre for Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, 2Centre for Earth and Atmosphereic Sciences, Sathyabama University, , . 3VIT University, Vellore, India.

Abstract

In this study, Remote Sensing and Geographical information system

were utilized to analyze the thematic layers like land use, lineament *Corresponding Author: structures, geomorphology and wastelands. Thematic layer coupled with collateral data on geology of the area, drainage, soil, depth to bedrock, P. Mohana rainfall data are used to examine the development and management of water resources system. Due to over exploitation of ground water in Email: [email protected] block, this is viewed as an interesting region for carrying out the present study. By using ARC GIS software, various data sets are analyzed by application of integration analysis. Favorable potential areas

were identified for ground water developments. Suggestion for improving Received: 17/03/2017 the wasteland areas and suitable means for catchment area conservation is Accepted: 15/06/2017 reported in this study. This study also focuses on planning of Micro level watershed to select artificial recharge structures and feasible irrigation tanks for modernization and de-siltation to improve ground water recharge.

Keywords: Water resources, Over exploitation, Micro level planning, Ground water. 1. Introduction Synergistic application of satellite remote Water resources planning in India since the First sensing and Geographic information system techniques Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) has been a very important were utilized to analyze the ground water potential part of national development planning. Watershed (Mayilvaganan et al ., 2011; Zilioli, 2002). It is development programs not only protect and conserve estimated based on specific yield of geological the environment, but also contribute to livelihood formation, hydrological performance and water level security (Dyck, 1990). However, records show that the fluctuations. Demands are calculated based on results of such planning in the last three decades have collateral data collection. Potential areas within the fallen short of expectations because of various complex over exploited block is demarcated using thematic factors (PWD, 2007). In , there are 385 layers and importance was given to identify waste blocks, which fall in 17 major river basins. If the lands and suggesting remedial measures to convert annual draft of ground water exceeds 100 % of annual those wastelands into productive lands using various recharge, block is categorized as over exploited block Remote Sensing and GIS techniques (Tim, 2003). as per Ground water Resource Estimation Committee Objective of this study is to Identify and develop the (GREC) norms. favorable potential ground water zones. This also deals Vellar basin is a major river basin of Thalaivasal with the identification of the zones for construction of block, in Salem district. Swethanadhi and artificial recharge structures to augment the ground Vashistanadhi are tributaries of Vellar basin drain in water. Identification of wastelands and suggestion of this block. Total geographical area of the Thalaivasal remedial measures for converting them into productive block is 409 Sq. Km covering 49 villages in this block lands is also carried out in this study. and the annual ground water draft is more than 200 %. This block was divided into 6 mini watersheds to 2. Geographical Area, Data Used and assess the water potential, runoff and storage. (Vittala Methodology Adopted et al ., 2008).

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

2.1 Location and Extent tributaries are Periya Ar, Maraikkadappai, Valayar and Study area lies in between 11º23’ and 11º42’ Muraiya Ar. Through the drainage map, length of the North latitude and 78º39’ and 78º50’ East longitude drainage and drainage density is calculated and range is (Fig 1). The total geographical area covers 0.632-2.688 km. Hills in Northern side have elevation approximately 408.92 sq, km, within that, the forest maximum of 817 m and minimum of 140 m. and hilly area is around 139.05 sq. km and area without Physiographically the general slope in this block is forest is 314.30 sq. km. The Total number of villages in northwest to south eastern direction. the study area which is benefited through the water level planning is 41. Thalaivasal block situated in the 3.2 Rainfall velar river basin of Tamil Nadu. The physiography of The study area falls under the climate of semi- the study area shows hills on northern side with the arid region. Various rainfall stations in and around the maximum elevation of 817 m (MSL) and the minimum block areas are , Athur, Virahanur, elevation of 140 m (MSL). The central part of the Arumbavur, and the Nearest Weather block is drained by Vasishtanadhi with numerous Station is Mangalapuram. Rainfall data for these streams originating from the , flowing stations were collected from the year 1991 to 2015 and from west to east. The southern part of the block is the annual rainfall from 777.40 mm to 990.30 mm. drained by Swethanadhi which is originated from Kolli Using interpolation technique created the average hills. Physiographically the general slope in this block annual rainfall map, southwest monsoon rainfall map, is northwest to south eastern direction (Fig 2). northeast monsoon rainfall map, winter season rainfall map, summer season rainfall map and created the 2.2 Data Used rainfall histogram for further analysis (Fig 3) . Suvery of India toposheets from Geological Survey of India for preparation of base map, 3.3 Geology Map administrative map, physiographic map, drainage map The source file from the Geological Survey of and elevation contour map. Collateral data were India and the through the field check, surface geology collected for annual and seasonal rainfall, ground water has been studied in detail and demarcations of the levels, depth to bedrock, ground water quality and soil boundaries of various lithological units have been from Public Works Department, Tamil Nadu. Satellite correlated with the geological map of Thalaivasal block Data IRS P6 from National Remote Sensing Centre, for was prepared with the help of GSI map. This block is preparation of land use/land cover, lineament-structural encountered with hard crystalline rocks of Archaean and geomorphology maps. (Precambrian) age. The rocks are represented by gneissic group and charnockite group. The gneissic 2.3 Methodology groups of rocks are the oldest rocks of this block and it Using ARCGIS software, from Survey of India includes granitoid gneisses, biotitic gneisses and toposheet base map, administrative map, physiographic granitic gneisses (Fig 4). map, drainage map and elevation contour map were prepared. Using IRS P6 Satellite data digitized the 3.4 Hydrogeology Map geomorphology map, geology map and land use/land Voluminous data collected from the Geological covers maps were prepared for analysis of ground Survey of India (GSI), Central Ground water Board water. Processed the Annual and seasonal rainfall data, (CGWB), State Ground and Surface Water Resources depth to bedrock data, water quality data and soil data Data Centre (SG and SWRDC) and Tamil Nadu Water were collected from the various government Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) were analyzed in institutions using interpolation technique. By using the PWD, Government of Tamilnadu. Hydro geological ARC GIS software, various data were analyzed by condition varies with varied geological set up and applying the integration analysis and favorable ground geomorphologic conditions. Well inventory was water potential areas were identified. Suggestion of conducted in 74 dug Wells, observation well details improving the wasteland areas and the suitable means were collected from 21 wells for 30 Years (1984- for catchments area conversations. 2014) for Pre/post monsoon periods for analysis. (Fig 5) (Source-PWD, TN Government). From the well inventory data the Post monsoon Water Level was 6 to 3. Results and Discussion 28 m and the Pre monsoon Water Level was 4 to 18 m.

3.1 Drainage Map 3.5 Geomorphology Map Drainage map was derived from Survey of India IRS P6 satellite data was used to prepare toposheet. The major river is Vellar. Major drainages Geomorphology map. Various Geomorphological - are Swethanadhi, Vasishtanadhi and the various

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 118 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Fig 1: Index Map of the Study Area. features were identified and the areas of various geophysical resistivity survey also conducted in the features like valley fills, pediments, deep pediments, intersection points and along lineaments (Fig 7). shallow pediments, structural hills and moderate Lineament intersection points give an idea to pediment zones were calculated (Fig 6). The study area explore for further ground water development to is fully covered by Black cotton soil pediment sand strengthen the agricultural activities. Buried pediments. Interpreted geomorphological details are furnished in Table 1. According to the 3.7 Land Use Map geomorphological characteristics the weightage was Land use map was generated using latest IRS P6 given for ground water analysis. This area was fully LISS III imagery. Land use categories of second level covered by the different pediment zones are the were delineated from the remote sensing data showing chances for good ground water recharging. the detailed land use classification like cropland, built- up land, forest land, waste land and water bodies. 3.6 Lineament Map Cropland is covered by different varieties of crops. Lineament Map was prepared by using Satellite Forest land is covered by dense and medium forests Imagery. The northwest-southeast trending lineaments (Fig 8). The areal extents of different land use are spread over the entire Thalaivasal block. The categories are shown Table 2. lineaments are traversing several kilometers across different geological formations. Each lineament is 3.8 Waste Land Map having its hydrogeological influence and control over Waste land is described as degraded land/ the ground water occurrence. The intensity of NW-SE currently underutilized/deteriorating for lack of trending lineaments is more in hornblende biotite appropriate water and soil management on account of gneiss. All the lineaments are in weaker zones and natural causes that can be brought under vegetative suitable for ground water development. Lineament cover with reasonable effort. Wasteland can result from intersection points were verified in the field and inherent/imposed disabilities by its location, environment chemical and physical properties of the -

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 119 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Fig 2: Physiography Map and Drainage of Thalaivasal Block. soil, financial or management constraints. Waste land (irrigation), 111 tube wells (irrigation), 4 PWD tanks is categorized into barren land, barren land covered by and 6 panchayat tanks. Gross irrigated area is 9953 ha black cotton soil, outcrops, hill barren, saline areas and and net irrigated area is 6717 ha. Water supply for alkaline areas and sand dunes. Waste land covers an agriculture is depends on variation in Rainfall. From area of about 98.42 sq. km (Fig 9; Table 3). the analysis out of 41 villages, only 13 villages are identified for further development area (Fig 10). 3.9 Ground Water Potential Zone Therefore, we need to concentrate that village Identification for further development. Ground water level ranges After the through field verification, all the between 12 and 22 m during pre-monsoon period and 4 thematic layers were taken to the GIS environment for to 14 m during post monsoon period. In total study area further analysis. The various phenomena needed for the 74.5 % area agricultural land, 10 % area forest land and thematic layers are furnished in Table 4. This study 11 % area waste land. In general, water quality is good area covers 2 rivers, 12 canals, 17093 open dug wells to moderate in the block except few villages.

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 120 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Fig 3: Average Annual Rainfall Map.

Fig 4: Geology Map of the Thalaivasal Block.

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 121 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Fig 5: Hydrogeology Map of Thalaivasal Block.

Fig 6: Geomorphology Map of Thalaivasal Block.

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 122 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Fig 7: Lineament Map of Thalaivasal Block.

Fig 8: Landuse/Landcover Map of Thalaivasal Block.

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 123 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Fig 9: Waste Land Map of the Study Area.

Fig 10: Ground Water Potential Map of the Thalaivasal Block.

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 124 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Table 1: List of Geomorphic Unit with Area

Geomorphic unit Area in sq.km. Percentage % Valley fill 15.71 3.842 Duricrust 11.694 2.86 Pediment 40.298 9.855 Pediment (Black cotton soil) 135.241 33.073 Buried pediment shallow 90.094 22.032 Buried pediment moderate 60.42 14.776 Structural hill 40.658 9.943 Settlement 1.818 0.445 Tank/river 12.986 3.176 Total Geographic Area 408.919 100

Table 2: Landuse/Landcover Categories with Area

Sl. Landuse category Area in % to the No. Level 1 Level 2 sq.km. block area Built up a. Settlement 2.04 0.5 Land Crop Paddy, sugarcane etc. groundnut, cholam, corn, b. 304.65 74.5 Land chille, ragi, turmeric, cotton, tapioca, cumbu, etc., Forest c. Dense Forest and Plantation 40.89 10 Land Waste d. Alkalinity/salt affected 44.98 11.0 Land Water e. Tanks and rivers 16.36 4.0 Bodies Total Geographical Area 408.92 100

Table 3: List of Waste Land Categories

Category Area in Sq.Km Barren Land 25.04 Barren Land Covered by Block Cotton Soil 1.67 Barren Land with Scrub 18.86 Hill 0.46 Hill Barren 0.76 Land Covered by Outcrop and Shrubs 1.36 Land Covered by Scrub/Shrub 11.28 Stony Waste 0.55 Stony Waste with Scrub 0.66 Saline Land 36.06 Industry 1.73 Others 310.17 TOTAL AREA 408.59

International Journal of Earth and Atmospheric Science | April-June, 2017 | Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 117-126 © 2017 Jakraya 125 Mohana et al…Micro Level Water Planning of Talaivasal Block, Salem District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Table 4: Thematic Layers for Ground water Potential zones

Sl.No. Map Layer Phenomenon Need 1. Geomorphology Physical processes on the earth’s A geomorphic unit is a surface that produce different composite unit that has landforms specific characteristics 2. Geology Physical and Chemical processes It is the basic control for below the earth’s surface that landforms, soils and drainage resulted in different types of rocks to develop on the surface 3. Lineament (including Planes/Zones of structural Easy movement of water Fault and Shear zone) weakness in the rocks along weak planes 4. Rainfall Rainfall Major source of water 5. Pre-Monsoon Water Depth at which water occurs in Tells us the scarcity of easily Level the unconfined zone (top zone) accessible water below ground level 6. Depth to Bed rock Massive rock below the soil and Indication of the thickness of the weathered zone the unconfined aquifer 7. Soil Soil Result of physical surface processes and the lithology 8. Landuse Purpose for which land has been Indicates the state of current put to use use 9. Slope Slope Controls the movement of water (surface and ground)

3.10 Synthesis and Recommendation 4. Conclusion Out of 41 villages, 13 villages having good There is urgent need to take necessary steps for ground water potential - feasible for ground water proper management and proper utilization of surface development, 18 villages are having moderate to good and ground water. Regular monitoring of ground water potential and 10 villages are found to be poor. To levels for pre and post monsoon season is improve ground water conditions of 41 villages, water- recommended. Tank siltation reduces the storage harvesting structures are recommended. The capacity 0.5 % per year so, desilting and modernization geomorphic features like Deep buried pediment, Valley of tanks in favorable geomorphic zones and fill, lineament intersection and contact zones are strengthening tank bunds is essential. There is possibilities of good ground water sources. Action plan requirement of creating awareness about the map prepared and action plan recommended for each economical judicial utilization of water. Utility of drip villages. Various problems in that study area are and sprinkler irrigation system in optimizing the drought, siltation in tanks, waste land development, ground water level is also recommended. groundwater conservation and soil reclamation, socio economic issues, creating public awareness and participation.

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