Estimation of Ground Water Recharge in Shankergarh block of Allahabad (India) using Remote Sensing and Statistical Approach

The present research work was undertaken to estimate the ground water recharge in Shankergarh block, Allahabad (India) during the year 2008. The data set used consisted of satellite derived rainfall and actual evapotranspiration and SCS-CN model estimated runoff values. The monthly values of the different components of water balance equation were estimated and subsequently the ground water recharge was estimated for the study area. The annual ground water recharge was found to be approximately 0.39 meter, which is nearly equal to estimated value of GWR (0.36 meter) from empirical model (Amritsar formula). The recharge was most prominent during the months of May, June, July, August, September and October because study area start rainfall occurring from April till October according to remote sensing data and record of last four years (2007-2010) rainfall data from Hydromet Division, India Meteorological Department, Allahabad district. The study gave a clear picture of the water accounting of the study area. A major portion of the precipitation was loss as runoff but a good part of rainfall going as ground water recharge and this can be attributed to the fact that the study region is predominantly an agricultural region. The precipitation is distributed evenly through the monsoon season and the runoff generated was very high (Annual runoff=880.35 mm) as compare to the ground water recharge (Annual GWR=393.69 mm). Key-words: Ground water; MODIS, MOD16, NOAA, rainfall, remote sensing and GIS, Water Balance.