For official use

Technical Report Series

DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE

MAHESANA DISTRICT
GUJARAT

Compiled By
A. K. Sinha
Assistant Hydrogeologist

Government of India
Ministry of Water Resources
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
West Central Region
Ahmedabad

March 2014
MAHESANA DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

SL Items Statistics
No.
1 General Information
i) Geographical area (Sq. Km) 4,371
ii) Administrative Divisions (As on 3/2011)
Number of Talukas 9
Number of Villages 593
iii) Populations (As per 2011 census) 20,27,727
iv) Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 827
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major Physiographic Units Alluvial plain
Major Drainages Rupen & Khari
3. LAND USE (Sq. Km)
a) Forest area 72
b) Net area sown 3,516
c) Cultivable area 4,509
4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES: Sandy soil, rocky soil
5. AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS (sq.km)
Rice-80, Jowar-10, Bajra-720, Wheat-520, Total Cereals-1370, Gram-10,
Other Pulses-260, Total Pulses-260, Total Food Grains-1630, Groundnut-30,
Seasemum-130, Rapes and Mustard-420, Total Oil Seeds-990.
6. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES
(Areas and numbers of structures) No. Area
( Sq.
Km.)
Dugwells 8,202 206

Tube wells/Borewells 11,220 2289

Tanks/Ponds/Water conservation structures 18
Canals 206
Other Sources 9

Net Irrigated area (sq. km.) 2186

Gross Irrigated area (sq. km.) 2733
7. NUMBERS OF GROUND WATER MONITORING
WELLS
CGWB (As on 31-03-2012) 60
No of Dug Wells 16
No of Piezometers 44
8. PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS:
Alluvium in major parts, granite, gneiss in eastern and north eastern part of
district.

2
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
 Major Water Bearing Formation: Groundwater occurs in
unconfined to confined condition in Quaternary alluvium and
under unconfined condition in granite gneiss in limited area.

Depth to water Level during 2011-12

Period Phreatic Aquifer (DTW)
Minimum Maximum
Pre 2.15 34.35
Monsoon (Budasan) (Rampur Kot Juna Pz I)

Post 1.10 33.77

Monsoon (Visnagar IV) (Rampur Kot Juna Pz I)

Long Term (10 Years) Water Level Trend (2003 to 2012)

Trend Pre-Monsoon Post- Monsoon
Rise (m/Yr) 0.0048 ( Asjol ) to 7.4589 0.0096 ( Jaska Sy_4) Pz II to
(Vijapur I) 2.6633 (Mahesana IV)
Fall (m/Yr)
0.0803 ( Karali II ) to 3.5682 0.0803 ( Karali II) to 3.5682
(Motipura Pz III ( Motipura Pz III)
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY CGWB (As on 31-03-2012)
No of wellsdrilled (EW, OW, Pz, SH, Total)
EW 12,OW 9, PZ 15, SH 1, Total:.37
Depth Range(m) 22 - 610
Discharge (Litres per minute) 180 - 2496
11 GROUND WATER QUALITY
Presence of chemical constituents more than Fluoride:189 Villages
permissible limit) Salinity :107 Villages
Nitrate : 18 Villages

Type of water Predominant

bicarbonate-Chloride
type
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES (2011)- in MCM
Annual Replenishable Ground Water Resources 880.25
(MCM)
Net Ground water Availability (MCM) 836.24
Projected Demand for Domestic and industrial Uses 74.55
upto 2025 (MCM)
Stage of Ground Water Development (%) 116.08%
13 AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY (as on 3/2012)
Mass Awareness Programmes organized 1
No of Participants 300 Thol Village
Water Management Training Programmes Not Organised

3
organized (No of Participants)
14 EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE & RAIN WATER HARVESTING (31-
3-2014)
Projects completed by CGWB (No & Amount spent) Nil
Projects under technical guidance of CGWB Nil
(Numbers)
15 GROUND WATER CONTROL AND REGULATION (3/2012)
Number of OE Blocks 8
( Becharaji, Kadi,
Kheralu, Mahesana,
Satlasana, Unjha,
Vijapur, Visnagar)
Number of Critical Blocks 1
( Vadnagar)
Number of Semi Critical Blocks Nil
Number of Safe Blocks -
Number of Saline Blocks 3
( Becharaji, Kadi,
Mahesana)
No. Of Blocks Notified by CGWA Nil
16 MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND ISSUES
i) Declining Groundwater levels/ Piezometric heads in user aquifers
ii) Increasing depth of tubewells
iii) Increasing instances of high fluoride
iv) Groundwater contamination due to unplanned construction and poor
technical design of tube wells
v) Awareness amongst villagers on water conservation techniques
vi) Demand supply management

4
DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE
MAHESANA DISTRICT
1.0 Introduction
Mahesana district occupies 4371 sq. km. area between 23°00’ and 24°09’ north
latitudes and 71°26’ and 72°51’ east longitudes in the northern part of Gujarat state. It
falls in the survey of India degree sheet numbers 45D and 46A. It is bounded by
Banaskantha and Patan in north, Patan and Surendranagar in west, Ahmedabad and
Gandhinagar in south and by Sabarkantha in east. It has nine talukas, having 593
villages. total population of the district as per 2011 census is 20,27,727.Location Map
of the district is presented as Figure-1 and Administrative Map as Figure-2..

Rivers Rupen and Khari drain part of the district. Both these rivers are
ephemeral in nature and flow only during good monsoon years. The river Sabarmati
forms the eastern boundary of the district with very limited catchment area in the
district. Major part of the area in the district is devoid of any drainage network and
does not fall in any catchment.

The surface water resources of the district are very limited. Groundwater is the
main source of irrigation, about 93% of the area is irrigated by groundwater.

Studies/Activities by CGWB
Before central Ground Water Board came to existence, Heron & Ghosh, 1938 (GSI)
carried out geological mapping in the north eastern part of the district. Auden, 1938
carried short term investigation of the subsoil water in the district. The first
Hydrogeological investigation was carried out by B. K. Baweja during 1953-55. V. V.
Rane, 1962-63 (GSI), investigated the causes of decline of water level and discharge
of tubewells. M.M. Oza, 1963-67 (GSI), continued hydrogeological studies and broadly
identified three aquifer systems in the district.
CGWB under UNDP assisted phase II programme carried out extensive
hydrogeological studies including exploratory drilling in the area. A phreatic and
confined aquifer system was deciphered down to the explored depth of 600m.
Arun Kumar (1979-80), CGWB, carried out reappraisal hydrogeological study,
covering parts of Mahesana and Banaskantha districts. P. N. Phadtare (1981),
CGWB, compiled “hydrogeology of Gujarat State” and discussed groundwater
resource potential of the district based on earlier studies.
During 1980-85, CGWB with UNDP assistance carried out pilot project for
artificial recharge of groundwater to figure out technical feasibility and economic
viability of the various artificial recharge techniques/experiments in the alluvial area of
the district.
Groundwater exploration by test drilling in the district commenced in fifties and
was continued till 2002-2003. Apart from the exploratory wells Piezometer of various
depths are also constructed in the district for periodic monitoring of the ground water
regime in the district and is continued till date.

5
2.0 Rainfall and climate
The district has semi arid climate. Extreme temperatures, erratic rainfall and
high evaporation are the characteristic features of this type of climate. Climatological
data of Deesa IMD station ( 1951-1980) which is nearest is given in the table 1.

Climatological Data - Deesa

90.0 250.0

80.0
Climatiological Parameters

70.0 200.0

60.0
150.0

Rainfall
50.0

40.0
100.0
30.0

20.0 50.0
10.0

0.0 0.0
January March May July September November
Rainfall (mm) Max Temp (°C) Min Temp (°C)
Rel Humidity (%) Eto (mm/d)

Table 1
Month Humidity Wind Sunshine Evapotra Rainfall
Maximum Minimum ( %) Speed ( Hours) nspiratio ( mm)
Temp. Temp. ( n (
(°C) (°C) kmpd) mm/Day
)
January 27.3 9.8 44 129.4 8.9 3.5 2.7
February 30.2 12.0 38.5 127.7 9.5 4.3 0.9
March 35.1 17.1 34.5 136.3 10.1 5.7 4.3
April 39.0 21.9 34.5 134.6 10.8 6.8 0.1
May 41.0 25.3 43.0 184.6 11.4 8.2 1.4
June 38.5 26.7 56.5 246.7 8.7 7.5 59.2
July 33.6 25.4 73.0 201.8 5.3 5.0 215.7
August 32.2 24.5 77.0 162.2 5.4 4.4 163.2
September 33.7 23.5 68.0 122.5 7.9 4.8 102.2
October 36.1 19.7 47.0 100.1 9.6 4.7 12.6
November 33.0 15.2 42.0 103.5 9.3 3.8 10.2

6
December 29.3 11.2 44.5 115.6 8.9 3.3 6.3
Total 578.8
Average 34.1 19.4 50.2 147.1 8.8 5.2

3.0 Geomorphology and Soil Type

Geomorphologically the district can be divided into three major zones

a) Dissected hilly terrain: The north eastern part of Satlasana taluka which is
made up of Delhi metasediments and post Delhi intrusives is characterised by
high hills and linear ridges with narrow intermontain valleys.
b) Piedmont plain with inselbergs: A belt of about 20-30 km width fringing the
hilly terrain in the north eastern part of the district is characterised by moderate
relief ( 2m/km) and is comprised of shallow alluvium with boulder/gravel beds
and occasional inliers of older rocks.
c) Alluvial plain: It is a vast sandy tract characterised by gently sloping, slightly
rolling to undulatory topography owing to presence of sand dunes. the most
prominent unit and covers the most part of the district.

In major part the soils are sandy in nature. In general the soils are poor to
medium in fertility and water retention capacity. Most soils have good aeration,
porosity and permeability. The hydraulic conductivity of the soils ranges from as
low as 0 for saline and alkali soils in the western part to more than 7cm/hr for
calcareous sandy soils in the north and west. Soils of the district fall in five broad
categories as below.

I) Saline and alkali soils: These are typically deep, grey calcareous sandy clay
loams of low permeability.
II) Calcareous sandy loams: These are generally Deep, light grey or brown
sandy loams of moderate to good permeability and drainage.
III) Calcareous sandy soils: These are mostly pale yellow and brown sands &
loamy sands of good depth and high permeability.
IV) Non calcic brown soils: These are characterised by pale brown to brown
deep loamy sands and sandy loams of adequate to good permeability.
V) Non calcic red brown soils: These are of mixed colluvial and alluvial
derivations from rocks of the Aravali system. Mostly deep loamy sands to sandy loams
with adequate to good hydraulic conductivity.

4.0 Ground Water Scenario

4.1 Hydrogeology

Precambrian hard rocks, semi-consolidated Mesozoic and tertiary formations

and unconsolidated quaternary alluvial deposits form multi layer aquifer system in the
district. Groundwater occurs both under phreatic and confined conditions, however its
development is restricted depending upon the aquifer geometry and yield
characteristic of individual aquifer and/or ground water quality of the formation water.

7
Occurrence of groundwater can be divided in two groups .Hydrogeological Map of the
district is presented in figure-3

a) Ground water in fissured formation ( Hard rock): The north-

eastern part of the district mainly in Satlasna taluka is occupied by metasediments and
Post Delhi intrusives. The occurrence and movement of ground water is governed by
secondary porosity i.e. thickness and extent of weathering and size& interconnections
of fractures/joints.
These formations generally don’t form good aquifer system. The depth of
dugwells range from 15-30 mbgl and of borewells from 100-120 mbgl.Depth to water
level in the dug wells varies from 5 -14mbgl and in borewells fro 15to 60 mbgl. The
yield of wells range from 30-120m3 /day with an average of 75m3/day.

b) Groundwater in porous formations (Sedimentaries): Major part

of the district is underlain by post Miocene alluvium and older sedimentary formations.
These sediments are mainly consisted by Coarse sand, gravel, kankar, silt, clay and
clay stones. Groundwater occurs both under phreatic and confined conditions in
arenaceous horizons within sedimentaries. The occurrence and movement of
groundwater is mainly controlled by intergranular pore spaces.
Two major aquifer units have been identified the upper unit is mostly phreatic
but becomes semi confined to confined in some parts. It is designated as aquifer A
and consists of relatively coarse grained sediments. The lower unit comprising a few
hundred metre of alternating sand and clay beds form confines aquifer system. It is
subdivided into B, C D and E in post Miocene sediments and aquifer F and G in the
Miocene sediments. Himmatnagar sandstone ( Cretaceous) forms local aquifer in the
north eastern part and has been designated as aquifer H. The post Miocene aquifers
are generally coarse to fine grained sand with occasional gravel beds. The Miocene
aquifers are mainly fine to medium grained sand, sandstone interbedded with clay,
clay stone and siltstone. Himmatnagar sandstone is generally coarse grained and
friable.

4.1.1 Aquifer parameters:

Unconfined aquifer: Aquifer A: Specific capacity of phreatic aquifer in the

district ranges from 31m3/hr/m to less than 1 m3/hr/m and transmissivity from 30m2/day
to 1000m2/day.

Confined Aquifers

Aquifer B: Specific capacity ranges from 1.8m3/hr/m to 49m3/hr hr/m. Transmissivity

ranges between 47 and 3400 m2/day, however it is mostly between 200-600m2/day.
Storativity ranges from 0.6 -12.3x10-4.

Aquifer C: Specific capacity calculated for wells at Saola and Charasan ranges from
21.3 and 2.8m2/day/m respectively. Transmissivity was 94m2/day at Charasan EW.

Aquifer D: Specific capacity calculated for EW at Dhinoj was found to be 1.3

m3/hr/day, the transmissivity being 69m2/day.

8
Aquifer E: No pumping test carried in this aquifer.

Aquifer F & G: Specific capacity calculated for wells at Charasan and Pilwai was
1.1 m3/hr/m and 1.7m3/hr/m respectively. Transmissivity was 59m2/day and 70m2/day.

4.1.2 SUBSURFACE GEOLOGY OF MAHESANA DISTRICT WITH

DESCRIPTION OF AQUIFER PROPERTIES
Table 2

Stratigraphy Formation Lithology Depth Thickness Remarks

group to top
of Range Average
aquifer (m) (m)
(m)
Aquifer A Coarse 5-71 35-125 62 Variable
sand, water
gravel, quality
pebbles and
fine and
clayey sand
Aquitard I Clay 78- 13-88 39 -
interbedded 162
with sand
and sandy
clay
Aquifer B Medium to 78- 10-80 45 Generall
Recent to post Miocene

coarse sand 162 y good

and gravel water
interbedded quality
with sandy
clay
Aquitard II Clay 13-80 37 -
interbedded
with sand
and sandy
clay
Aquifer C Medium to 154- 13-62 34 Generall
coarse sand 274 y good
in north east water
and fine to quality
medium in
central part
interbedded
with sandy
clay and
clay
Aquitard III Clay 19-172 73 -
interbedded

9
with sand
and sandy
clay
Aquifer D Medium 229- 11-105 52 Variable
sand 402 water
interbedded quality
with sandy
clay
Aquitard IV Clay 11-76 44 -
interbedded
with sandy
clay
Aquifer E Fine to 300- 15-57 24 Develop
medium 542 ed in
sand and central
sandy clay part .
water
quality
good
Aquiclude V Grey clay 13-148 41 -
and
claystone
Aquifer F Fine to 200- 7-68 39 Variable
medium 574 water
sand , quality
sandstone
interbedded
Miocene

with
siltstone
Aquiclude Clay and 34-49 40 -
VI clay stone
Aquifer G Fine to 264- 9-124 48 Water
medium 513 generally
sand , saline
sandstone
interbedded
with
siltstone
Paleocene - Basalt 267
Cretaceous Aquifer H Himatnagar 214- 98-145 121 Variable
sandstone 547 water
quality

Source : CGWB/UNDP Phase II

4.2 Ground Water Regime Monitoring

Groundwater regime monitoring are being carried out four times in a year during May,
August, November & January. In all 60 hydrograph stations (16 Open wells & 44

10
purpose build Piezometers) spread over the entire district were monitored during the
2012. The groundwater level during the premonsoon period (May 2012) ranged from
2.15 m to 34.35 mbgl. Depth to water level map for the pre-monsoon period 2012 is
given in figure – 4 . Shallowest water level of 2.15 mbgl was recorded in Budasan
Village and the deepest water level of 34.35 mbgl was recorded in Rampur Kot Juna
village of the district. The range of groundwater level in the district is table -4.
Table -3 Range Of Groundwater Level in Mahesana District During
Pre monsoon May 2012.

DTWL mbgl No of well in different Ranges & %

No of well
District 0 to 2 2 to 5 to 10 to 20 to
analysed Min Max
(m) 5(m) 10(m) 20(m) 40(m)
34.3 NIL 4 7 9 3
Mahesana 23 3.55
5 - 17.39% 30.04% 39.13% 13.04%
The groundwater level during the post-monsoon period (Nov 2012) ranges from
1.10 mbgl to 33.77 mbgl. Spatial distribution of groundwater level in the district is
shown in figure -5. Shallowest water level of 1.10 mbgl was recorded in Visnagar
village and the deepest water level of 33.77 mbgl was recorded in Rampur Kot Juna
village of the district. The range of groundwater level in the district is given in table-5
Table -4 Range Of Groundwater Level In Mahesana District During
Post Monsoon November 2012.

DTWL mbgl No of well in different Ranges & %

No of well
District 0 to 2 2 to 5 to 10 to 20 to
analysed Min Max >40(m)
(m) 5(m) 10(m) 20(m) 40(m)
NIL 4 10 6 2 -
33.7
Mahesana 22 1.10 18.18
7 - 45.45% 27.27% 9.09% -
%
68.18% of the wells in the district showed rise in the groundwater level between
May to November 2012. Rise in the district ranges from 0.32 to 9.46 m. fall is observed
in 31.82% wells. Fall in the district ranges from 0.02 to 2.90 m.
Minimum rise of 0.32 m was recorded in Unava village and the Maximum rise of
9.46m was recorded in Kheralu village. Minimum fall of 0.02 m was recorded in
Bhandupara and Tarabh villages and the Maximum Fall of 2.90 m was recorded in
Budasan village.
Of the wells showing rise, 56.25% wells recorded rise between 0 to 2 m, 18.75
% wells recorded rise between 2 to 4m and 25% wells show rise of more than 4m
between May to November 2012.
Of the wells showing fall, 57.14% wells recorded fall of 0 to m and 42.86% wells
show fall between 2 to 4m. Water level fluctuation map for the pre and post-monsoon
2012 is given in figure-6.
Long term water level trend during pre-monsoon period (2003 to 2012) shows
rise in water level between 0.0048 to 7.4589 m/yr and fall between 0.0803 to 3.5682
m/yr. Long term water level trend during post monsoon period shows rise in water level
from 0.0096 to 2.6633m/yr and fall from 0.0803 to 3.5682m/yr.

11
Confined (Deep) Aquifer

Ground water from the confined aquifer system is under exploitation in a major
way for various uses in the district. Tube wells range in depth from 120 to 300 m and
have copious yield. The piezometric surface of confined aquifer ranges from less than
60 mbgl to to more than 150 m bgl. However, in major part, it is more than 90 m bgl.
Because of excessive ground water development, consistent decline of piezometric
surface is observed in the district.

12
4.3 Ground Water Resources
The ground water resources with talukawise details are presented below in table no 5 and presented as figure-7
Taluka Wise Ground Water Resources, Availability, Utilization and Stage of Ground Water Development (2011)
District : Mahesana
Sr Taluka ANNUAL REPLENISHABLE GROUND WATER Natural Net ANNUAL GROUND Project Ground Stage of Category
. RESOURCE (mcm) Dischar Annual WATER DRAFT (mcm) ed Water Ground
N Monsoon Non Monsoon Total ge Ground Irrigati Domest Total Deman Availabil Water
o. Rechar Rechar Rechar Rechar Annual during Water on ic And (10 + d for ity for Developm
ge from ge from ge from ge from Ground non- Availabil Industri 11) Domest future ent (%)
rainfall other rainfall other Water monsoo ity al uses ic and irrigation (12/9) * 100
source source Rechar n (mcm) Industri (mcm)
s s ge season (7- 8) al uses {(9)-
(3+4+5+ (mcm) upto (10+13)}
6) (5 % of 2025
7) (mcm)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 Becharaj 21.37 5.83 0.00 5.47 32.68 1.63 31.04 39.70 2.79 42.4 3.74 0.00 136.87 Over
i 9 Exploited
2 Kadi 108.32 15.00 0.00 14.42 137.74 6.89 130.85 146.88 8.98 155. 12.04 0.00 119.11 Over
86 Exploited
3 Kheralu 71.21 6.24 0.00 6.80 84.24 4.21 80.03 90.42 3.47 93.8 4.65 0.00 117.31 Over
9 Exploited
4 Mahesan 147.67 16.33 0.00 17.97 181.96 9.10 172.86 189.65 13.96 203. 18.70 0.00 117.78 Over
a 61 Exploited
5 Satalasa 48.21 5.85 0.00 5.18 59.24 2.96 56.28 56.20 2.30 58.5 3.08 0.00 103.95 Over
na 0 Exploited
6 Vadnaga 51.59 4.92 0.00 18.58 75.09 3.75 71.33 61.80 3.95 65.7 5.30 4.23 92.17 Critical
r 5
7 Visnagar 87.48 9.58 0.00 23.47 120.53 6.03 114.50 123.25 7.67 130. 10.29 0.00 114.34 Over
92 Exploited
8 Vijapur 110.84 9.83 0.00 13.16 133.82 6.69 127.13 146.34 7.22 153. 9.68 0.00 120.79 Over
56 Exploited
9 Unjha 50.87 5.14 0.00 12.35 68.36 3.42 64.94 61.23 5.28 66.5 7.07 0.00 102.41 Over
1 Exploited
District Total 697.56 78.71 0.00 117.39 893.66 44.68 848.98 915.46 55.62 971. 74.55 4.23 114.38 Over
1 Exploited
# ' Computation by RIF Method

13
4.4 Ground Water Quality
Ground Water Quality in the district can be divided into two groups for
understanding viz. Quality in phreatic aquifers and Quality in confined/user
aquifers
4.4.1 Ground Water quality in Phreatic aquifers: The ground water quality
in phreatic aquifer shows wide variation in chemical quality. The entire district can be
divided into three distinct zones as below.
North eastern zone characterised by fresh water of bicarbonate type with TDS
less than 1000 ppm.
Central zone with water of mixed, bicarbonate-chloride type with TDS up to
3000 ppm.
South western zone with water of chloride type containing TDS more than 3000
ppm.
4.4.2 Ground Water quality in confined aquifers: The ground Water quality
in the deeper aquifers (with in about 300m depth) which may also be called user
confined aquifer is generally fresh (TDS< 2000 ppm) in the north eastern and central
parts and is good for drinking as wells as Irrigation purpose. Deterioration of ground
water quality is observed from recharge area in the north-east to discharge area in
south west.

4.5 Status of Ground Water Development ( Taluka wise)

4.5.1 Feasibility, Yield potential, Depth and Dia of ground water

abstraction structures

Table 6
Taluka Wells Suitable Depth of Diameter Discharge
feasible drilling well ( lpm)
technique (m)
Becharaji Tubewells Direct Rotary, 100-300 200-250 600-1200
Reverse mm
Rotary
Kadi Dugwell Manual 15-30 2.5-5 m 200-300
Tubewells Direct Rotary, 100-300 200-250 600-1200
Reverse mm
Rotary
Kheralu Dugwell Manual 10-25 2.5-5 m 200-300
Tubewells/ Direct Rotary, 50-150 200-250 500-800
Borewell Reverse mm
Rotary
Mahesana Tubewells Direct Rotary, 100-300 200-250 600-1200
Reverse mm
Rotary
Satlasana Dugwell Manual 10-25 2.5-5 m 60-100
Borewells Down the 50-100 200-250 60-150
Hole Hammer mm
( DTH )
Unjha Tubewells Direct Rotary, 100-300 200-250 600-1200
Reverse mm
14
Rotary
Vadnagar Dugwell Manual 15-30 2.5-5 m 200-300
Tubewells Direct Rotary, 50-300 200-250 500-800
Reverse mm
Rotary
Vijapur Tubewells Direct Rotary, 50-300 200-250 500-800
Reverse mm
Rotary
Visnagar Tubewells Direct Rotary, 100-300 200-250 600-1200
Reverse mm
Rotary

4.5.2 Drinking water wells and water supply based on groundwater

sources

Table 7
Taluka No. of No. of Depth Range Discharge
Dugwell Tubewell (m) range ( LPM)
Satlasna 0 0 0 0
Kheralu 0 0 0 0
Unjha 0 0 0 0
Visnagar 0 44 130-300 400-800
Vadnagar 0 9 120-150 200-400
Vijapur 0 62 60-240 200-800
Mahesana 0 117 220-400 400->800
Becharaji 0 47 250-400 400->800
Kadi 0 120 220-300 400-800
Source: GWS&SB

4.5.3 Type of pumps and water lifting devices for Irrigation dugwells,
shallow tube wells and deep tube wells

Table 8: Dugwells

Taluka Electric Diesel Wind Solar Man/Ani. Others Total

pumps pumps mills pumps Operated
Becharaji 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
Kadi 510 529 12 0 31 0 1082
Kheralu 2164 118 12 7 8 18 2327
Mahesana 25 77 1 1 2 9 115
Satlasana 2226 130 2 4 3 2 2367
Unjha 38 0 0 0 0 0 38
Vadnagar 1699 91 0 11 2 1 1804
Vijapur 17 0 0 0 0 0 17
Visnagar 5 55 0 0 5 6 71

15
Table 9: Shallow Tubewells
Taluka Electric Diesel Wind Solar Man/Ani. Others Total
pumps pumps mills pumps Operated
Becharaji 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kadi 179 446 0 0 12 0 637
Kheralu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mahesana 4 0 0 0 0 0 4
Satlasana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unjha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Vadnagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Vijapur 65 2 0 0 0 0 67
Visnagar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 10: Deep Tubewells

Taluka Submersible Turbine Others Total
pumps pumps
Becharaji 480 0 0 480
Kadi 1629 0 0 1629
Kheralu 1231 3 10 1244
Mahesana 2178 1 0 2179
Satlasana 528 25 2 555
Unjha 670 7 2 679
Vadnagar 458 0 0 458
Vijapur 1496 13 0 1509
Visnagar 1176 27 2 1205

4.5.4 Irrigation scenario from ground water sources

Dugwells
As per MI census 2000-01 there are 7823 dugwells out of which 2879 are
in use. Irrigation potential created through these dugwells is 110.14 sq. km and
potential utilized is 58.54 sq. km. area.
Shallow tubewells
As per MI Census 2000-01 there are 708 shallow tubewells out which
206 are in use. The irrigation potential created is 13.59 sq. km and utilized is 11.77 sq.
km. area.
Deep Tubewells
As per MI census 2000-01 there are 9938 deep tubewells in the district
out of which 9270 are in use. The irrigation potential created is 1902.20 sq. km. are
and potential utilized is 1493.20 sq. km. area.

Following is the talukawise detail of irrigation potential for ground water sources
presented in table no 11 .

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Table 11

Dugwells Shallow tubewells Deep tubewells

Taluka Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential Potential
created utilized created utilized created utilized
Becharaji 0.02 0 0 0 182.49 165.70
Kadi 2.54 1.97 8.70 7.08 361.52 247.35
Kheralu 57.30 35.51 0 0 158.68 90.71
Mahesana 1.47 1.08 0.32 0.28 449.29 374.93
Satlasana 20.09 0.04 0 0 47.23 28.24
Unjha 1.82 1.79 0 0 161.73 141.89
Vadnagar 25.17 16.68 0 0 59.55 44.24
Vijapur 0.49 0.47 4.57 4.41 187.42 163.41
Visnagar 1.24 1.00 0 0 294.29 236.73

5.0 Ground Water Management Strategy

5.1Ground Water Development

Eight talukas in the district are categorised as Over exploited and one as
critical and as stage of development is 151.17% in the GWRE, 2004 report hence
there is no further scope for development of the ground water resources.

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

The suitable recharge structures feasible in the district are Percolation
tanks/ponds, Recharge wells, recharge shaft, check dams, nalla bunds and gully plugs
etc depending on the terrain conditions.
In the phreatic aquifers with deep water levels and desaturation, spreading
channels, recharge pits, recharge ponds etc are suitable to utilize surplus runoff and
tail end releases from the canals.
In the confined aquifers artificial recharge by indirect injection technique is
suitable that is dual purpose connector wells. These recharge wells should have
screens against upper saturated aquifer and also against the targeted confined aquifer.
it would function under gravity since the piezometric level of confined aquifer is much
below phreatic water level.
Various rainwater harvesting schemes depending on the suitable
hydrogeological conditions have been constructed in the district viz. Check dams,
Recharge tube wells , deepening the of the village ponds etc and have shown good
impact on the groundwater scenario. Following is the list which shows impact of the
recharge structures on ground water in the district.

6.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems

Over exploitation of ground water is the single major issue in the district
resulting in the fast depletion of this resource. Piezometric heads of deep confined
aquifer has also declined sharply owing to the huge withdrawal. In many parts of the
district phreatic aquifers are desaturated needing urgent attention.
Replacement wells, increase in well depth, prime mover, declining well yields
are also the major issues.

17
Since groundwater is the main source for irrigation and the farmers don’t have
control over power supply, therefore they irrigate the crops when power supply is
available rather than waiting for the wilting to start.
Flood irrigation technique which is practised in the area is also the major cause
of wastage of ground water as there is no control on the watering depth.
Control on the area under fodder crops like alfalfa is also to be done as
this is water intensive crop and consumes much more water compared to other crops
like wheat, bajra, castor, mustard etc.
Although ground water quality for irrigation practice is within the limit in most
parts of the district but many parts of the district are having high fluoride (>1.5 ppm)
content ( more than 145 villages mostly in Kheralu, Kadi, Satlasana talukas) ( Source:
GWSSB)
Awareness among the people regarding rainwater harvesting and
artificial recharge.

7.0 Awareness and Training Activity

Till now one mass awareness programme has been conducted in the district at
Village Thol, Taluka Kadi on 29/3/2006 where about three hundred villagers and
school children participated.
No Water management training programme has been conducted in the district by
CGWB.

8.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA

None
9.0 Recommendations
 There is an urgent need for management of resources for sustainable
development.
 Suitable ground water legislation may be enforced and all future ground
water exploitation by deep tube wells be completely banned
 Creating awareness among the farmers regarding water conservation
through judicious use of water and adoption of efficient irrigation
techniques like drip/sprinkler irrigation.
 The land holding of the group of farmers under public tubewell irrigation
should be brought under the provision of the change in crops, irrigation
practices and installation of drip/sprinkler irrigation technique. soft term
institutional finances to the farmers and liberal subsidies in equipments
are suggested.
 Resorting to artificial recharge practices by diverting surplus run-off
during monsoon into ponds, percolation tanks,. Spreading basins,
abandoned dugwells etc.
 Taking up artificial recharge on large scale through appropriate
techniques on a local scale with active community participation.
 Institutional finance and appropriate technology should be freely made
available to any individual or cooperative group of farmers that undertake
resource augmentation and management measures.

18
Figure-1

19
Figure-2

20
HYDROGEOLOGICAL MAP
MAHESANA DISTRICT, GUJARAT
Figure-3


Satlasana
10
Banaskantha
District

ati R
Kheralu

rm
Saba
Unjha
20

Vadnagar
5 Sabarkantha
District
Visnagar

2250
Patan
District 10

20
2250

MAHESANA
10
Vijapur
00
10

30

Bechraji
1 25 0
Gandhinagar
District
Ahmedabad
50

District
12

Kadi
3 0 10
00

Gujarat

21
Mahesana District
Legend
Wells Rigs Suitable Depth of Discharge Artificial Recharge
Feasible Well (m) (lpm) Structure Suitable
Dug Well Manual 10-25 200-300 Percolation Tanks/
Ponds, Recharge Wells,
Soft Rock Tubewell Direct Rotary, 50-150 500-800
Aquifer Reverse Rotary
Dug Well Manual 15- 30 200-300 Percolation Tanks/
Ponds, Recharge Wells,
Soft Rock Tubewell Direct Rotary 100-300 600-1200 Recharge Shaft
Aquifer Reverse Rotary
Dug Well Manual 10-25 60-100 Percolation Tanks/
Ponds, Recharge Wells,
Hard Rock Borewell Down the Hole 50-100 60-150 Check Dams, Nalla
Aquifer Hammer Bunds.
(DTH)
Not Suitable Check Dam, Nalla
Bund, Gully Plug
Hilly Areas

Pre-monsoon Decadal mean Electrical Conductivity (µS/cm at 25°

00
20 (1993-2000) Depth to Water 20 C)
Level (mbgl)


Fluoride > Maximum
Permissible Limit (1.5 mg/l)  Over Exploited Taluka

 Drainage / District/Taluka HQ

Other Information
Geographical Area 4,371 sq. km
No of Blocks/ Talukas 9
Population (2011 Census) 20,27,727
Average Annual Rainfall 827 mm
Range of Average Temperature 21-31 °C
Major Drainage System Sabarmati, Rupen
Major/ Medium Irrigation Scheme Dharoi
Major Geological Formation Soft Rock: Alluvium
Hard Rock: Grainte, Meta
Sediments
Utilizable Ground Water Resources 848.98 MCM/Yr
Net Ground Water Draft 971.1 MCM/Yr
Stage of Ground Water Development 116.08 %
Blocks Showing Intensive Ground Water Bechraji, Kadi, Kheralu,
Development Mahesana, Satlasana,
Unjha, Vadnagar, Vijapur,
Visnagar

22
Figure-4

23
Figure-5

24
Figure-6

25
Figure-7

26