Geospatial Analysis of Groundwater Depletion in Kurukshetra, Haryana: A Decadal Study

The excessive use of groundwater for the household, agriculture, and commercial uses increases the probability of droughts on a global scale. Therefore, it is essential to precisely estimate groundwater in order to ensure its sustainable utilization. In India, the utilization of groundwater is the highest worldwide. Groundwater consumes 83% of the country's water supply for residential and irrigation purposes. This scenario is particularly severe in India. Also, in Haryana, the extraction of groundwater has caused significant problems in addressing the water requirements. Approximately, 60% of the area is identified as over-exploited. The Kurukshetra district (Haryana) depends primarily on groundwater resources. Estimating groundwater resources usually involves using numerical models, geospatial analysis, and regular monitoring of water levels. Conventional techniques that do not involve geospatial analysis are not as efficient when applied to wide regions. The integration of remote sensing and GIS in modern techniques provides improved accuracy in assessments. This study presents a thorough evaluation of groundwater depletion in the Kurukshetra region. It utilizes geospatial analysis to assess changes that have occurred in the past ten years. The study reveals a significant decrease in the yearly groundwater capacity, resulting in a classification of the area as “over-exploited.” The research highlights the dependence on groundwater resources in the regions of Thaneshar and Pehowa. The results suggest a significant rise in water extraction, and it is projected that the current availability will not be sufficient for the future.