Impact of land-use change on groundwater in the Punjab-Haryana plains, India

Abstract

The changes in Land use have mostly occurred locally, regionally and globally over the last few decades and will carry on in the future as well. The increase in imperviousness has a major impact on groundwater and is of major concern over the past years to those who are involved in groundwater studies. The increase in urbanization results in reduction in infiltration, which affects the groundwater recharge and storage. Thus, land use changes have to be evaluated properly using traditional as well as latest techniques viz. Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS). The increase in population leads to increase in food, fodder and fuel demands with rapid change in land use patterns. From the time when the human civilization started, mankind interdependence on environ‐ meant is greater, excess hunt of progress, comfort and security has resulted in augmented stress on the environment. Proper planning and management for development of natural resources without jeopardizing the environment is a vital concern to be sorted out for the world community. Quality inputs on the rate and pattern of land use change is essential for proper planning and management. Land use change pattern reflects the rate of change of groundwater recharge. It is necessary to detect the land use change in the past and present existing land use, and its spatial distribution and potential changes are essential prerequisites for planning and management. Proper land use planning and management is key to socio‐economic up‐liftmen of a region and country as a whole.