Hydrogeology of Talwandi Sabo Tehsil, Bathinda District (Punjab): A remote sensing approach

Abstract

Studies on water resources and hydrogeology of an area have become much easier with the help of Remote Sensing Technology. As an attempt to evaluate hydrogeology and ground water conditions of the tehsil Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district, a hydromorphogeological map of the area was prepared through visual interpretation of satellite imagery. The study shows that the study area, a part of the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain, is occupied by a large number of sand-dune complexes deposited by the ancient Satluj River while traversing the area during the past. Later on reworking of sand-dunes by aeolian action and their physical removal for agricultural purposes resulted in the present landscape of a plain land with sanddune complexes. Unconsolidated Quaternary alluvial sediments consisting of fine to medium-grained sand with admixture of kankar and some clay constitute the aquifer system of the area. Studies show that ground water occurs under both confined and unconfined conditions with water table at shallow depths. But the quality of the ground water is poor to marginal in most of the area except in the vicinity of main canal (Kotla Branch) where water seepage from canals has made the ground water good in quality.