1797/DBR/2013

भारत सरकार
जल संसाधन मंत्रालय
केंद्रीय भूजल बोर्ड
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
महाराष्ट्र राज्य के अंतर्डत नंदरु बार जजले की
भूजल विज्ञान जानकारी
GROUND WATER INFORMATION
NANDURBAR DISTRICT
MAHARASHTRA

By द्िारा
Vijesh V K विजेश िी के
Scientist-B िैज्ञाननक ख

मध्य क्षेत्र, नार्पुर

CENTRAL REGION
NAGPUR
2013
 NANDURBAR DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Geographical Area : 5034 sq. km.
Administrative Divisions : Taluka- 6, Nandurbar, Nawapur,
(As on 31/03/2011) Shahada, Taloda, Akkalkuva and
Akrani
Villages : 864 mm
Population (2001 Census) : 1,646,177
Average annual Rainfall : 801 mm
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major Physiographic unit : 4; Satpura Hilly Region, Tapi River
Valley proper, Region of the dykes and
residual hills of the Sahyadri Spurs.
Major Drainage : Two: Tapi and Narmada
3. LAND USE (2011)
Forest Area : 1040 Sq.km
Net Area Sown : 840 Sq.km
Cultivable Area : 4130 Sq.km
4. SOIL TYPE
3; Coarse shallow soils, medium deep soils and deep black soils.
5. PRINCIPAL CROPS (2011)
Rice : 218.96 Sq.km
Jowar : 606.64 Sq.km
Total Pulses : 1652.01 Sq.km
Cotton : 461.96 Sq.km
6. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (2006-07)
Nos./Potential Created (Sq.km)
Dugwells : 16939/444.75
Borewells (Deep and Shallow) : 12696/339.80
Surface flow schemes : 712/483.53
Surface Lift Schemes : 14589/18.59

7. GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS (As on 31/05/2011)

Dugwells : 14
Piezometers : 0
8. GEOLOGY
Recent : Alluvium
Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene : Deccan Trap Basalt
Middle-Upper Cretaceous : Bagh Bed
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
Water Bearing formation : Basalt-Weathered/fractured/ jointed
vesicular/massive, under phreatic and
semi-confined to confined conditions.
Alluvium- Sand and Gravel under
semi-confined to confined conditions.
Premonsoon Depth to Water Level : 6.20 to 13.6 m bgl (May-2011)
Postmonsoon Depth to Water Level : 0.90 to 15.20 m bgl (Nov-2011)
Premonsoon Water Level Trend : Rise:0.0039 to 2.76 m/year
 (2001 to 2010) Fall: Negligible ( 0.01 to 0.97 m/year)
Postmonsoon Water Level Trend : Rise: 0.0064 to 0.39 m/year
(2001 to 2010) Fall: 0.02 to 0.47 m/year
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION- (As on 31/3/2011)
Wells Drilled : EW-22, OW-11, PZ-4
Depth Range : 16.70 to 165.50 m bgl
Discharge : 0.27 to 7.40 lps
Transmissivity (m2/day) : 210 to 6394 m2/day
Storativity : 1.05 x 10-1
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY
Good and suitable for drinking and irrigation purpose, however localized nitrate
contamination is observed.
Type of Water : Ca-HCO3
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES- (As on 31/03/2009)
Net Annual Ground Water Availability : 72660.2 Ham
Annual Ground Water Draft (Industrial : 2372.664 Ham
+ Domestic)
Allocation for Domestic and Industrial : 4745.33 Ham
requirement up to next 25 years
Stage of Ground Water Development : 37.55 %
13. GROUND WATER CONTROL & REGULATION
Over-Exploited Taluka : Nil
Critical Taluka : Nil
Notified Taluka : Nil
14. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND ISSUES
Almost entire Akkalkuwa taluka and parts of Akrani, Nawapur and Nandurbar
talukas are categorized as drought area. The deeper water levels are observed in
southern part of the district. Ground water quality is adversely affected by nitrate
contamination in 10% of the samples collected in May 2011. However, general
groundwater quality of the district is potable as per the analysis of the samples.

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 Ground Water Information
Nandurbar District

Contents
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................1
2.0 Climate and Rainfall ........................................................................2
3.0 Geomorphology and Soil Types ......................................................3
4.0 Ground Water Scenario ...................................................................4
4.1 Hydrogeology...................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Water Level Scenario ........................................................................................ 6
4.3 Aquifer Parameters ........................................................................................... 8
4.4 Yield of Dugwells and Borewells ...................................................................... 8
4.5 Ground Water Resources .................................................................................. 9
4.6 Ground Water Quality .................................................................................... 12
4.7 Status of Ground Water Development ........................................................... 14
5.0 Ground Water Management Strategy ..........................................14
5.1 Ground Water Development ........................................................................... 15
5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge................................................ 15
6.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems ...............................16
7.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA .................................................16
8.0 Recommendations ..........................................................................17

List of Figures
1. Location.
2. Hydrogeology.
3. Depth to Water Level (Premonsoon- May 2011).
4. Depth to Water Level (Postmonsoon- Nov. 2011).
5. Ground Water Resources (March 2009).

List of Tables

1. Studies undertaken by CGWB.

2. Salient Features of Ground Water Exploration.
3. Annual Rainfall Data (2002- 2011).
4. Aquifer Parameters.
5. Yield of Dugwells.
6. Ground Water Resources (March 2009).
7. Classification of Ground Water for Drinking based on BIS Drinking Water
Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003).
8. Classification of Ground Water for Irrigation based on RSC
9. Nature and Yield Potential of Aquifers.
 Ground Water Information
Nandurbar District
1.0 Introduction
Nandurbar district was derived from Dhule district on 1st July 1998 and it lies
between north latitude 21°00’00” to 22°00’30” and east longitude 73°31’00” to
74°45’30”. The district covers a total geographical area of 5034 sq.km. It is surrounded
by Dhule district in the south and east, Gujarat State in the west and Madhya Pradesh
State in the north.
The district headquarters is Nandurbar. For administrative convenience, the district
is divided in 6 talukas viz, Nandurbar, Nawapur, Shahada, Taloda, Akkalkua and Akrani.
The population of Nandurabar district is 16,46,177 and the population density is 276
persons/sq.km. as per the 2011 census. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people.
The district forms part of Tapi and Narmada basins.
Central Ground Water Board has taken up several studies in the district. A list of
studies conducted in different parts of the district is presented in Table-1.
Table 1: Studies Undertaken by CGWB.
S. Year Area Surveyed Type of Survey/Study
No.
1. 1965-66 Covering parts of Top sheet No’s 46 Systematic
K/3,46,K7, and K/11 Hydrogeological Survey
2. 1986-87 Covering parts of Top sheet No’s 46 Systematic
K/4,46,K8, and K/12 Hydrogeological Survey
3. 1988-89 Covering parts of Top sheet No’s 46 Systematic
G/11 and 12. Hydrogeological Survey
4. 1997-98 Tapi Basin, Dhule district, Reappraisal
Hydrogeological Study

Apart from above studies, ground water exploration in the Tapi Alluvial areas of
the district has also been taken up during 1982-87. The status and salient features of
ground water exploration as on March 2011 are given in Table-2.
Table 2: Salient Features of Ground Water Exploration (As on March 2012).
S. Taluka Wells Depth SWL Discharge Draw- Zones
No. EW OW PZ (mbgl) (mbgl) (lps) Down (mbgl)
(m)
1 Akkalkuwa 3 1 - 16.70- 2.27- 1.86-7.40 1.25- 5.18-
26.60 7.95 8.05 18.40
2 Shahada 7 5 1 26.50- 1.50- 1.10-4.00 1.06- 5.00-
165.50 36.20 19.02 63.00
3 Taloda 11 5 1 26.60- 5.23- 0.27-6.10 4.05- 5.30-
162.50 16.27 5.52 66.44
4 Nandurbar 1 - 1 - - - - -
5 Navapur - - 1 - - - - -
6 Total 22 11 4 16.70- 1.50- 0.27-7.40 1.06- 5.18-
165.50 36.20 19.02 66.44

In Alluvial areas of the district 22 exploratory wells (EW), 11 observation wells

(OW) were constructed. In addition to these 4 Pizometers were also drilled in the district
under Hydrology Project. The depth of these wells ranged from 16.70 to 165.50 metres
below ground level (m bgl). The discharge from these wells varied from 0.27 to 7.40
litres per second (lps), and 4 exploratory wells were found to be high yielding with
discharge of more than 3 lps. Static water levels ranged from 1.50 to 36.20 m bgl.
Aquifer zones have been encountered in most of the wells within 65 m depth.
A location map of the district showing the taluka boundaries, taluka headquarters,
physical features and location of NHNS is presented as Figure-1.

Figure-1: Location

2.0 Climate and Rainfall

The climate of the district is characterized by a hot summer and general dryness
throughout the year except during the south-west monsoon season, i.e., June to
September. The daily mean minimum temperature is 15.8°C and mean maximum
temperature is 40.7°C.

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 The average annual rainfall over the district is about 801 mm. It is the minimum in
the eastern part of the district and increases westwards towards Nawapur and Akkalkuwa.
The study of negative departures of the annual rainfall over normal reveals that north
western and south western parts of the district experienced moderate and severe drought
conditions for more than 20% of years. Hence this parts occupying almost entire
Akkalkuwa taluka and parts of Akrani, Nawapur and Nandurbar talukas can be
categorized as drought area. The average annual rainfall of last ten years (2002-2011) in
the district varied from 645 mm (Shahada) to 1192 mm (Nawapur) and the same is
presented in Table-3.
Table 3: Annual Rainfall Data (2002-2011) (in mm)
Taluka 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Average
Nandurbar 969 1265 956 1284 1386 988 759 721 753 619 929.7

Nawapur 764 1255 1720 2103 1456 1504 1269 828 1043 860 1191.93

Shahada 405 887 604 571 1223 810 724 627 623 573 644.93

Taloda 572 1065 880 1099 1653 1156 945 783 900 827 901.79
Akrani 943 1118 1354 924 2003 1088 924 611 705 797 938.71
Akkalkuwa 667 1024 1035 1170 1764 1682 1512 905 915 1128 1068.93

(Source: www.agri.mah.nic.in)
3.0 Geomorphology and Soil Types
The district can be broadly divided into four distinct physiographic units i.e.,
Satpura Hilly Region, Tapi River Valley proper, Region of the dykes and residual hills of
the Sahyadri Spurs with eastward trending streams in between and Nawapur and Western
Nandurbar Region with a westerly aspect below the Sahyadri Scarps.
North of Tapi River, the whole length of the rich alluvial plain is bounded by the
steep southern face of the Satpudas, a belt of mountain land about 30 km broad. Satpudas
rise from the first range of hills, ridge behind ridge to the central ridge to a height of
about 600 metres above mean sea level (m amsl) and then slope down rather steeply
towards the Narmada. The Tapi River valley is observed on both sides of Tapi River in
parts of Nandurbar, Shahda and Taloda talukas and Sindkhed talukas. The region of
dykes and residual hills of the Sahyadri Spurs comprises southern part of Nandurbar
taluka. Nawapur and western Nandurbar region with a westerly aspect below the
Sahyadrian scarps, is full of steep hill ranges covered with forests.

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 Mainly three types of soils are observed in the district i.e., coarse shallow soils,
medium deep soils and deep black soils. The soils of the district are basically derived
from Deccan Trap Basalt to the south of Tapi River. North of Tapi River the soils are
from Deccan Trap Basalt as well as from Alluvial formations. The northern part of the
district has dark brown to yellowish brown coarse shallow to medium deep soils, with
clayey loamy deep soils of Tapi River and Narmada River valley to its south and north
respectively. Below the Tapi River valley comes the belt of medium deep soils mostly
with interception of medium and shallow soils in scattered patches, depending on the
local conditions.
Except the northern part drained by Narmada River and its tributaries such as
Kanni, Devnad/Devganga and Udai, the entire district is mainly drained by Tapi River
and its tributaries such as Nagan, Shivan, Gomai and Dehli.

4.0 Ground Water Scenario

4.1 Hydrogeology
The major part of the district is covered by basaltic flows commonly known as
Deccan Traps and dykes of Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene age. Tapi Alluvial deposits
are observed in Tapi River valley occupying parts of Taloda, Shahada and Nandurbar
talukas. Along the north-western corner of the district, pre-trappean Bagh Beds of Middle
to Upper Cretaceous age are exposed over a small area along the valley of the Devganga
River. A map depicting the hydrogeological features is shown in Figure-2.

Figure-2: Hydrogeology

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4.1.1 Hard Rock Areas
4.1.1.1 Deccan Trap Basalt
Deccan Trap includes several flows of basalt which are supposed to have extruded
from fissure volcanoes. The flows are mainly of two types i.e., “Pahoehoe” and “aa”
types, the former being very common. It is observed in north. The flows have been
intruded by large number of doleritic dykes. The dykes are generally 1 m to 20 m in
width. However, few dykes are as much as 50 m wide. The dykes are aligned in an ENE-
WSW direction and a few gave N-S or WNE-ESE trends.
The ground water occurs under unconfined conditions in the near surface strata
down to the depth of 20 m in the weathered zone of the vesicular/amygdaloidal Basalt,
jointed and fractured units of massive Basalt. Ground water occurs under semi-confined
to confined conditions generally below 40 m depth beneath the red bole and dense
massive Basalt in the fractured or jointed massive/vesicular/amygdaloidal Basalt. On the
elevated plateau tops having good areal extent, local water table develops in top most
layers and the wells in such areas show rapid decline water levels in postmonsoon season
and go dry during peak summer. In the foot hills zone the water table is relatively shallow
near the water courses and deep away from it and near the water divides. In the valleys
and plains of river basin the water table aquifer occurs at shallow depth and the wells in
such areas do not go dry and sustain perennial yield except in extreme summer or drought
conditions. The yield of the dugwells varies from 60 to 125 m3/day, whereas that of
borewells varies form 2 to > 20 m3/hr, however in most of the borewells it ranges
between 2 to 10 m3/hr.
4.1.2 Soft Rock Areas
4.1.2.1 Bagh Beds
The oldest geological formation met within the north-western part of the district is
the Bagh beds of Middle to Upper Cretaceous age. They occur as inliers within the
Deccan Traps over an area 9 km in length and 5 km in width. These rocks are
conspicuously exposed on the banks of Devganga river and its tributaries. The formation
comprises of Nimar Sandstone, Shale, grey Limestone and upper Sandstone. The
Sandstone beds are porous and permeable and the Limestone holds water in the joints,
fissures and solution cavities
4.1.2.2 Alluvium
Alluvial deposits of Tapi River valley occurs in long narrow basin, which are
probably caused by faulting. About a 15% of the district is occupied by Alluvium. It

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consists of clays, silt, sand, gravels and boulders etc. The beds of sand and gravels are
discontinuous and lenticular and pinch out laterally within short distance. They are mixed
with large proportions of clayey material rendering delimiting of individuals granular
horizons difficult. As per ground water exploration data Alluvium is encountered down to
100 m depth. Ground water occurs under water table, semi-confined and confined
conditions in inter granular pore spaces of gravel and sand. The yield of the dugwells
varies between150 and 200 m3/day, whereas that of exploratory wells varies form 0.27 to
7.40 lps as per exploration data. The yields of the tubewells drilled by State ground water
department/agency ranges from 20 to 250 m3/hr.
4.2 Water Level Scenario
Central Ground Water Board periodically monitors 14 National Hydrograph
Network Stations (NHNS) in Nandurbar district, four times a year i.e. in January, May
(Premonsoon), August and November (Postmonsoon).
4.2.1 Depth to Water Level – Pre monsoon (May-2011)
The premonsoon depth to water level in the district ranges between 6.20 and 13.6
mbgl. Depth to water level during premonsoon (May 2011) has been depicted in Figure-
3.
Major part of the district is having water levels of 5-10 m bgl depth viz.
Akkalkkuva, Akarni, Taloda, Shahada and almost all parts Nandurbar and small patched
of Navapur. The moderately deeper water levels of 10 to 20 m bgl are observed in SW
part of the district in Nawapur Taluka and in a small part of Nandurbar taluka in its
southern part.
4.2.2 Depth to Water Level – Postmonsoon (Nov. 2011)
The depth to water level during postmonsoon period (Nov 2011) ranges between
0.90 to 15.2 m bgl. Spatial variation in post monsoon depth to water level is shown in
Figure-4.
The shallow water levels of less than 2 m bgl are seen the hilly areas of
Akkalkkuva, Akarni (extreme northern part of the district) and in few very small isolated
patch of Navapur taluka in its southern part. The water levels of 2 to 5 m bgl are observed
in parts of Akkalkkuva, Akarni (Northern part), Nandurbar (NW part) and Navapur
talukas. Majot part of the district is having water levels of 5-10 m bgl depth viz.
Akkalkkuva (southern part), Akarni (southern part), Taloda (SW and NE parts), Shahada
(almost entire taluka), Nandurbar(primarily in southern part) and Navapur (almost entire
taluka except some patches in southern part). The moderately deeper water levels of 10 to

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20 m bgl are seen in alluvial parts of Taloda and Shahada talukas as a longitudinal patch.

Figure-3: Depth to Water Level (Premonsoon- May 2011)

Figure-4: Depth to Water Level (Postmonsoon- Nov. 2011)

4.2.3 Seasonal Water Level Fluctuation– (May-Nov. 2011)

Major parts of the district is characterised with fluctuation range of 2-4 m viz.

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Akkalkkuva, Akarni, Taloda, Shahada and a major part of Nandurbar taluka and a small
patch of Nawapur taluka. Fluctuation of more than 4 m is seen in parts of Nawapur taluka
(N and NE parts) and in parts of Nandurbar taluka (SE part).
4.2.4 Water Level Trend (2001 to 2010)
Trend of water levels for premonsoon and postmonsoon period for last ten years
(2001 to 2010) have been computed for 14 NHNS. Rising trend of premonsoon water level
varying from 0.0039 to 2.76 m/year in major part of the district whereas, in small area
falling trend has been observed ranging from 0.01 to 0.97 m/year.
During post monsoon rise is recorded in the range of 0.0064 to 0.39 m/year and fall
is observed in the range of 0.02 to 0.47 m/year.
Out of the 14 wells analysed 10 wells have shown rising trend during premonsoon
and post monsoon whereas, in 4 wells falling trend in premonsoon and post monsoon
period.
4.3 Aquifer Parameters
The aquifer parameters of shallow aquifer as determined during previous studies
carried out by the Board are presented in Table-4. In Basalt transmissivity ranges from 6
to 96 m2/day, the storativity varies between 0.017 to 0.0429 and the specific capacity
ranges from 41 to 220 lpm/m of drawdown, whereas in Alluvium transmissivity is about
70 m2/day and the specific capacity ranges from 173 to 616 lpm/m of drawdown.
The aquifer parameters for deeper alluvial aquifer are also available from the
pumping tests conducted by CGWB on exploratory wells. The results show that
transmissivity ranges from 210 to 6394 m2/day m2/day, the storativity value was observed
as 1.05 x 10-1 and the permeability ranges from 12.00 to 606.76 m/day, whereas the
specific capacity ranges form 0.45 to 7.02 lpm/m of drawdown.
Table 4: Aquifer Parameters.
S. Aquifer Specific Transmmisivity Storativity
No. Capacity (m2/day)
(lpm/m of
drawdown)
1. Fractured and moderately weathered 80 - 220 5.70 – 88.50 0.017 –
Massive Basalt 0.048
2. Moderately to highly weathered Basalt 48 – 155 77 – 96 -

3. Vesicular Amygdaloidal Basalt 41 – 112 11 – 56 0.0429

4. Alluvium 173 – 616 70 -
4.4 Yield of Dugwells and Borewells
The yields of the wells are function of the permeability and transmissivity of

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aquifer encountered and it varies with location, diameter and depth of wells etc. There are
mainly two types of ground water abstraction structures in the district i.e., dugwells and
borewells/tubewells, however the yield of wells also vary according to nature of
formation tapped and its saturated thickness. Therefore, the dugwells located in the
topographic lows, morphological depressions and on or near the lineaments yield
comparatively more water than the located elsewhere, which is particularly true in
basaltic terrain. The yield of dugwell also varies depending on the season. The yields of
dugwells for different formations are presented in Table-5.
The borewells drilled by State ground water department/agency in Deccan Trap
Basalt indicate wide variation of discharge in the range of 2 to > 20 m3/hr, however in
majority of the borewells it ranges between 2 to 10 m3/hr. The yield of exploratory wells
constructed by CGWB ranges from 0.27 to 7.40 lps as seen from exploration data. The
yields of the tubewells drilled by State ground water department/agency ranges from 20
to 250 m3/hr.
Table 5: Yield of Dugwells.
S. Aquifer Depth Range Yield Range
No. (m bgl) (m3/day)
1 Predominantly Amygdaloidal Basalt 10 – 15 75 – 95
2 Predominantly Vesicular/Zeolitic Basalt 9 – 12 100 – 125
3 Predominantly Massive Basalt 10 – 14 60 - 75
4 Alluvium 25 - 30 150 - 200

4.5 Ground Water Resources

Central Ground Water Board and Ground Water Survey and Development Agency
(GSDA) have jointly estimated the ground water resources of Dhule district based on
GEC-97 methodology. The same is presented in Table-6. Taluka wise ground water
resources are shown in Figure-5.
As per the estimation, net annual ground water availability comes to be 72660.20
Ham. The gross draft for all uses is estimated at 27281.10 Ham with irrigation sector
being the major consumer having a draft of 24908.44 Ham. The allocation for domestic
and industrial requirements for the next 25 years are worked out at 4745.33 Ham, whereas
the net ground water availability for future irrigation is estimated at 43006.43 Ham.

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Table 6: Ground Water Resources (March 2009).
District Administrative Net Annual Existing Existing Existing Provision for Net Ground Stage of Ground
Unit Ground Gross Gross Gross Domestic and Water Water
Water Ground Ground Ground Industrial Availability for Development
Availability Water Draft Water Water Draft Requirement Future irrigation {13/10 * 100}%
for Draft for for All uses Supply to 2025 Development
Irrigation domestic (11+12) (10-11-14)
and
Industrial
water
Supply
Nandurbar Akkalkuva 7120.11 1045.60 372.98 1418.58 745.96 5328.56 19.92

Nandurbar Akrani 7862.88 660.76 292.80 953.56 599.21 6615.56 12.13

Nandurbar Nandurbar 16129.88 9969.88 403.72 10373.59 822.70 5417.06 64.31

Nandurbar Nawapur 22486.14 5276.70 514.30 5791.00 1013.34 16116.34 25.75

Nandurbar Shahada 13842.57 6232.26 529.48 6761.73 1093.72 6548.91 48.85

Nandurbar Taloda 5218.62 1723.25 259.39 1982.64 470.41 2980.00 37.99

Total 72660.20 24908.44 2372.66 27281.10 4745.33 43006.43 37.55

 Figure-5: Ground Water Resources (March 2009)

The stage of ground water development varies from 12.13% (Akrani) to 64%
(Nandurbar) and all the talukas come under “Safe” category. The overall stage of ground
water development for the district is 37%.
4.6 Ground Water Quality
Central Ground Water Board monitors the ground water quality of the district through
analysis of water samples collected from its National Hydrograph Network Stations (NHNS)
which represent the shallow aquifer of the district only. The objective behind quality
monitoring is to understand an overall picture of ground water quality of the district. During
year 2010, CGWB has carried out the ground water quality monitoring at 11 NHNS.
The results of chemical analysis show that the ground water in the district is alkaline in
nature.
4.6.1 Suitability of Ground Water for Drinking Purpose
The suitability of ground water for drinking purpose is determined keeping in view the
effects of various chemical constituents in water on the biological system of human being.

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Though many ions are very essential for the growth of human, but when present in excess,
have an adverse effect on human body. The standards proposed by the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) for drinking water (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003) were used to decide the
suitability of ground water. The classification of ground water samples was carried out based
on the desirable and maximum permissible limits for the parameters viz., TDS, TH, NO3 and
F prescribed in the standards and is given in Table-7.

Table 7: Classification of Ground Water Samples based on BIS Drinking Water

Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003).
Parameters DL MPL Samples Samples Samples
(mg/L) (mg/L) with conc. with conc. with conc.
< DL in DL-MPL >MPL
TDS 500 2000 4 6 Nil
TH 300 600 9 1 0
NO3 45 No relaxation 9 - 1
F 1.0 1.5 10 Nil Nil
(Here, DL- Desirable Limit, MPL- Maximum Permissible Limit.)

Ground water quality is adversely affected by nitrate contamination in only one sample
collected from Bhadwad. Overall, the ground water quality scenario of the wells monitored in
the district is bright and it is suitable for drinking in most of the district except where
localised nitrate contamination is observed.
4.6.2 Suitability of Ground Water for Irrigation Purpose
The water used for irrigation is an important factor in productivity of crop, its yield
and quality of irrigated crops. The quality of irrigation water depends primarily on the
presence of dissolved salts and their concentrations. Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) is the
most important quality criteria, which influence the water quality and its suitability for
irrigation.
4.6.2.1 Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC)
Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) is considered to be superior to SAR as a measure of
sodicity particularly at low salinity levels. The classification of ground water samples based
on RSC values for its suitability for irrigation purpose is shown below in Table-8.
The perusal of Table-8 indicates that the RSC values of all ground water samples
collected from the district is less than 1.25 meg/l suggesting that the quality of ground water
in the monitoring wells is good for irrigation purpose.

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 Table 8: Classification of Ground water for Irrigation based on RSC.
RSC <1.25 1.25-2.50 >2.50
(meg/l)
Category Good Doubtful Unsuitable
Total No. of % No. of % No. of Samples %
Samples Samples Samples
12 10 100 Nil Nil Nil Nil

4.7 Status of Ground Water Development

Ground water development depends on many factors viz., availability, crop water
requirement, socio-economic fabric and on the yield of the aquifers existing in that area.
Ground water in the area is being developed by three type of abstraction structures i.e.,
dugwells, borewells and tubewells. However dugwell is the main ground water abstraction
structure in the district.
As per Minor Irrigation Census 2006-07, the district had 16939 irrigation dugwells,
which create an irrigation potential of about 444.75 sq.km. In addition to this about 339.80
sq.km, of irrigation potential is created through 12696 shallow and deep borewells/tubewells.

State Government agencies have drilled number of borewells/tubewells fitted with

hand pumps and electric motors for rural drinking water purposes in the district. In all till
March 2007, GSDA, Government of Maharashtra is operating 4931 successful
borewells/tubewells for rural water supply under various schemes in the district, out of which
4439 wells are fitted with hand pumps and the rest 492 are fitted with electric pumps.

5.0 Ground Water Management Strategy

Ground water has special significance for agricultural development in the district. The
ground water development in almost entire district is on lower side, thus presenting plenty of
scope for further development. However, in some parts of the district declining water level
trends have been observed. Thus, there is a need to adopt an integrated approach of
development of ground water resources dovetailed with ground water augmentation to
provide sustainability to ground water development.

14
5.1 Ground Water Development
Major part of the district, particularly the southern part, is underlain by Deccan Trap
Basalt. The development potential of ground water in Deccan Trap Basalt is low to medium
in entire Akkalkuva, Dhadgaon Akrani and Navapur talukas and parts of Shahada, Nandurbar
and Taloda talukas. The ground water in these parts can be developed through dugwells and
dug-cum-bored wells (DCB) and borewells. However, the dugwells are the most feasible
structures and borewells should normally be avoided as they generally tap deeper fractures,
which may not be sustainable. Besides, the borewells should only be used for drinking water
supply and not for irrigation. The sites for borewells also need to be selected only after proper
scientific investigation so as to minimise the rate of failure. In the hilly areas of Dhadgaon
Akrani, Taloda and Shahada talukas rocks are hard and compact, resistant to weathering with
steep gradient causing rapid runoff and low infiltration and such areas are not feasible for
ground water development.
In the Alluvium part of the district occupying southern parts of Shahada and Taloda
and northern part of Nandurbar taluka, the groundwater potential is medium to high and
groundwater can developed through dugwells, dug-cum-bored wells (DCB) and tubewells.
The aquifer zones within 65 m bgl can be used for agricultural purposes by means of shallow
tubewells constructed down to the depth of 60-65 m and yielding up to 5 lps for 30 m lift.
The nature and yield potential of the aquifers occurring in different areas is given
below in Table-9.

Table 9: Nature and Yield Potential of Aquifers.

S. Taluka Main Aquifer Yield Potential Type of wells Suitable
No
1. Nandurbar Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell, DCB and Borewell
Alluvium Medium to High Dugwell, DCB and Tubewell
2. Shahada Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell, DCB and Borewell
Alluvium Medium to High Dugwell, DCB and Tubewell
3. Taloda Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell, DCB and Borewell
Alluvium Medium to High Dugwell, DCB and Tubewell
4. Navapur Basalt Low to Medium Dug Well, DCB, Borewell
5. Akrani Basalt Low to Medium Dug Well, DCB, Borewell
6. Akkalkuva Basalt Low to Medium Dug Well, DCB, Borewell

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

A number of water conservation structures in the form of check dams, percolation
tanks, and KT weirs have already been constructed in the district. In Basaltic area, the

15
artificial recharge structures feasible are check dams, gully plugs, percolation tanks, nalla
bunds, etc. The structures like gully plugs, contour bunds are most favourable in the hilly
areas, occurring in the central part of the district. Existing dugwells can also be used for
artificial recharge, however, the source water should be properly filtered before being put in
the wells. The artificial recharge structures suitable for alluvial areas are percolation tanks
and recharge wells/shafts. These sites need to be located where the hydrogeological
conditions are favourable, i.e., where sufficient thickness of de-saturated/unsaturated aquifer
exists and water levels are more than 5 m deep. As seen from postmonsoon water level
scenario such areas are observed in almost entire district except in south western part
particularly in Navapur taluka.

6.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems

Almost entire Akkalkuwa taluka and parts of Akrani, Nawapur and Nandurbar talukas
are categorized as drought area. The deeper water levels are also observed in southern part of
the district i.e., in parts of Navapur and Nandurbar talukas during premonsoon seasons. The
water level trends are also observed declining as seen from premonsoon trend map. Thus
future water conservation and artificial recharge structures in the district may be prioritised in
these parts of the district. In the hilly areas of Dhadgaon, Akrani, Taloda and Shahada talukas
rocks are hard and compact, resistant to weathering with steep gradient causing rapid runoff
and low infiltration and such areas are not feasible for ground water development.

7.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA

As per ground water resource estimation all the talukas have been categorised as
“Safe” and hence none of the taluka has been notified by CGWA.

8.0 Recommendations
1. Major part of the district is underlain by Deccan Trap Basalt, where only dugwells are
the most feasible structures for ground water development.
2. The sites for borewells need to be selected only after proper scientific investigation.
Borewells generally tap deeper fractures, which may not be sustainable. Besides, the
borewells should only be used for drinking water supply and not for irrigation.

16
3. The overall stage of ground water development for the district is on lower side, i.e.,
37.55 % thus there is a plenty of scope for further development particularly in
Akkalkkuva (19.92%), Akarni (12.13 %) and Nawapur (25.75 %) Talukas. In
Nandurbar Taluka development has reached up to 64%, so further development is not
recommended in this taluka or development may be allowed with suitable measures of
artificial recharge.
4. However, the ground water development needs to be carried out with proper care and
planning, since in these areas falling water level trends are observed.
5. In the hilly areas of Dhadgaon, Akrani, Taloda and Shahada talukas rocks are hard
and compact, resistant to weathering with steep gradient causing rapid runoff and low
infiltration and such areas are not feasible for ground water development.
6. The scope exists for construction of suitable artificial recharge structures in the
district. The structures recommended for the hilly- Deccan Trap Basalt area in the
northern part is: contour bunds, gully plugs, nala bunds and check dams. For other
basaltic areas, the nala bunds, check dams and KT weirs are suggested. The existing
dugwells may also be used for artificial recharge of ground water provided source
water is free of silt and dissolved impurities.
7. In Alluvial area of the district, percolation tanks and recharge wells/shafts are
suggested.
8. The existing village ponds/tanks need to be rejuvenated to act both as water
conservation and artificial recharge structures.

17
18
Table 7: Classification of Ground Water Samples based on BIS Drinking Water
Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003).
Parameters DL MPL Samples Samples Samples
(mg/L) (mg/L) with conc. with conc. with conc.
< DL in DL-MPL >MPL
TDS 500 2000 4 6 Nil
TH 300 600 9 1 0
NO3 45 No relaxation 9 - 1
F 1.0 1.5 10 Nil Nil
(Here, DL- Desirable Limit, MPL- Maximum Permissible Limit.)

Ground water quality is adversely affected by nitrate contamination in 10% of the

samples (one sample at Bhadwad) collected in May 2011. Overall, the ground water
quality scenario of the wells monitored in the district is bright and it is suitable for
drinking in most of the district except where localised nitrate contamination is observed.
8.1.1 Suitability of Ground Water for Irrigation Purpose
The water used for irrigation is an important factor in productivity of crop, its
yield and quality of irrigated crops. The quality of irrigation water depends primarily on
the presence of dissolved salts and their concentrations. Residual Sodium Carbonate
(RSC) is the most important quality criteria, which influence the water quality and its
suitability for irrigation.
8.1.1.1 Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC)
Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) is considered to be superior to SAR as a
measure of sodicity particularly at low salinity levels. The classification of ground water
samples based on RSC values for its suitability for irrigation purpose is shown below in
Table-8.
The perusal of Table-9 indicates that the RSC values of all ground water samples
collected from the district is less than 1.25 meg/l suggesting that the quality of ground
water in the monitoring wells is good for irrigation purpose.
Table 8: Classification of Ground water for Irrigation based on RSC.
RSC <1.25 1.25-2.50 >2.50
(meg/l)
Category Good Doubtful Unsuitable
Total No. of % No. of % No. of Samples %
Samples Samples Samples
12 10 100 Nil Nil Nil Nil

19
8.2 Status of Ground Water Development
Ground water development depends on many factors viz., availability, crop water
requirement, socio-economic fabric and on the yield of the aquifers existing in that area.
Ground water in the area is being developed by three type of abstraction structures i.e.,
dugwells, borewells and tubewells. However dugwell is the main ground water
abstraction structure in the district.
As per Minor Irrigation Census 2006-07, the district had 16939 irrigation dugwells,
which create an irrigation potential of about 444.75 sq.km. In addition to this about
339.80 sq.km, of irrigation potential is created through 12696 shallow and deep
borewells/tubewells.

State Government agencies have drilled number of borewells/tubewells fitted with

hand pumps and electric motors for rural drinking water purposes in the district. In all till
March 2007, GSDA, Government of Maharashtra is operating 4931 successful
borewells/tubewells for rural water supply under various schemes in the district, out of
which 4439 wells are fitted with hand pumps and the rest 492 are fitted with electric
pumps.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@
9.0 Ground Water Management Strategy
Ground water has special significance for agricultural development in the district.
The ground water development in almost entire district is on lower side, thus presenting
plenty of scope for further development. However, in some parts of the district declining
water level trends have been observed. Thus, there is a need to adopt an integrated
approach of development of ground water resources dovetailed with ground water
augmentation to provide sustainability to ground water development.
9.1 Ground Water Development
Major part of the district, particularly the southern part, is underlain by Deccan
Trap Basalt. The development potential of ground water in Deccan Trap Basalt is low to
medium in entire Akkalkuva, Dhadgaon Akrani and Navapur talukas and parts of
Shahada, Nandurbar and Taloda talukas. The ground water in these parts can be
developed through dugwells and dug-cum-bored wells (DCB) and borewells. However,
the dugwells are the most feasible structures and borewells should normally be avoided as
they generally tap deeper fractures, which may not be sustainable. Besides, the borewells

20
should only be used for drinking water supply and not for irrigation. The sites for
borewells also need to be selected only after proper scientific investigation so as to
minimise the rate of failure. In the hilly areas of Dhadgaon Akrani, Taloda and Shahada
talukas rocks are hard and compact, resistant to weathering with steep gradient causing
rapid runoff and low infiltration and such areas are not feasible for ground water
development.
In the Alluvium part of the district occupying southern parts of Shahada and
Taloda and northern part of Nandurbar taluka, the groundwater potential is medium to
high and groundwater can developed through dugwells, dug-cum-bored wells (DCB) and
tubewells. The aquifer zones within 65 m bgl can be used for agricultural purposes by
means of shallow tubewells constructed down to the depth of 60-65 m and yielding up to
5 lps for 30 m lift.
The nature and yield potential of the aquifers occurring in different areas is given
below in Table-10.

Table 10: Nature and Yield Potential of Aquifers.

S. Taluka Main Aquifer Yield Potential Type of wells Suitable
No
7. Nandurbar Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell, DCB and Borewell
Alluvium Medium to High Dugwell, DCB and Tubewell
8. Shahada Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell, DCB and Borewell
Alluvium Medium to High Dugwell, DCB and Tubewell
9. Taloda Basalt Low to Medium Dugwell, DCB and Borewell
Alluvium Medium to High Dugwell, DCB and Tubewell
10. Navapur Basalt Low to Medium Dug Well, DCB, Borewell
11. Akrani Basalt Low to Medium Dug Well, DCB, Borewell
12. Akkalkuva Basalt Low to Medium Dug Well, DCB, Borewell

9.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

A number of water conservation structures in the form of check dams, percolation
tanks, and KT weirs have already been constructed in the district. In Basaltic area, the
artificial recharge structures feasible are check dams, gully plugs, percolation tanks, nalla
bunds, etc. The structures like gully plugs, contour bunds are most favourable in the hilly
areas, occurring in the central part of the district. Existing dugwells can also be used for
artificial recharge, however, the source water should be properly filtered before being put
in the wells. The artificial recharge structures suitable for alluvial areas are percolation
tanks and recharge wells/shafts. These sites need to be located where the hydrogeological
conditions are favourable, i.e., where sufficient thickness of de-saturated/unsaturated

21
aquifer exists and water levels are more than 5 m deep. As seen from postmonsoon water
level scenario such areas are observed in almost entire district except in south western
part particularly in Navapur taluka.

10.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems

Almost entire Akkalkuwa taluka and parts of Akrani, Nawapur and Nandurbar
talukas are categorized as drought area. The deeper water levels are also observed in
southern part of the district i.e., in parts of Navapur and Nandurbar talukas during
premonsoon seasons. The water level trends are also observed declining as seen from
premonsoon trend map. Thus future water conservation and artificial recharge structures
in the district may be prioritised in these parts of the district. Ground water quality is
adversely affected by nitrate contamination in 10% of the samples collected in May 2011.
Continuous intake of high nitrate concentration water causes infant
methaemoglobinamea, popularly known as Blue Babies desease. Thus all the wells used
for water supply should be first analysed for nitrate contents and if the nitrate content is
found beyond permissible limit the ground water may be used for other purposes than
drinking. Adequate sanitary protection to the wells may be provided to control the nitrate
contamination.

11.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA

As per ground water resource estimation all the talukas have been categorised as
“Safe” and hence none of the taluka has been notified either by CGWA or SGWA.

12.0 Recommendations
9. Major part of the district is underlain by Deccan Trap Basalt, where only dugwells
are the most feasible structures for ground water development.
10. The sites for borewells need to be selected only after proper scientific
investigation. Borewells generally tap deeper fractures, which may not be
sustainable. Besides, the borewells should only be used for drinking water supply
and not for irrigation.
11. The overall stage of ground water development for the district is on lower side,
i.e., 37.55 % thus there is a plenty of scope for further development particularly in
Akkalkkuva (19.92%), Akarni (12.13 %) and Nawapur (25.75 %) Talukas. In

22
 Nandurbar Taluka development has reached up to 64%, so further development is
not recommended in this taluka or development may be allowed with suitable
measures of artificial recharge.
12. However, the ground water development needs to be carried out with proper care
and planning, since in these areas falling water level trends are observed.
13. In the hilly areas of Dhadgaon, Akrani, Taloda and Shahada talukas rocks are hard
and compact, resistant to weathering with steep gradient causing rapid runoff and
low infiltration and such areas are not feasible for ground water development.
14. The scope exists for construction of suitable artificial recharge structures in the
district. The structures recommended for the hilly- Deccan Trap Basalt area in the
northern part is: contour bunds, gully plugs, nala bunds and check dams. For other
basaltic areas, the nala bunds, check dams and KT weirs are suggested. The
existing dugwells may also be used for artificial recharge of ground water
provided source water is free of silt and dissolved impurities.
15. In Alluvial area of the district, percolation tanks and recharge wells/shafts are
suggested.
16. The existing village ponds/tanks need to be rejuvenated to act both as water
conservation and artificial recharge structures.
17. Ground water quality is adversely affected by nitrate contamination in 9% of the
samples collected in May 2011. Thus all the wells used for water supply should be
first analyzed for nitrate contents and if the nitrate content is found beyond
permissible limit the ground water may be used for other purposes than drinking.
Adequate sanitary protection to the wells may be provided to control the nitrate
contamination.

23