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Research Paper | Environmental Science Studies | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 915 - 922 | India
GIS-Based Assessment of Urbanization Impact on Groundwater Resources in a Rapidly Urbanizing Region of Hyderabad, India
Abstract: Rapid urbanization has significantly altered groundwater recharge processes, leading to aquifer depletion and groundwater quality deterioration in many regions of India. Expansion of impervious surfaces and land use changes have reduced natural recharge and increased pressure on groundwater resources. This study employs Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to investigate the impact of urbanization on groundwater resources through the analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) changes, groundwater level variations, and hydrochemical characteristics. Multi-temporal satellite datasets, including Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and MODIS imagery, are utilized to derive spatial indicators such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), built-up index, and surface imperviousness. Groundwater monitoring records and hydrochemical data obtained from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) are incorporated for validation and trend analysis. The results indicate a substantial increase in urban built-up areas accompanied by a decline in vegetation cover and recharge potential, resulting in intensified groundwater stress and localized groundwater quality deterioration in several urban clusters. According to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2024, 751 out of 6746 assessment units (11.13%) are categorized as over-exploited, while 206 and 711 units are classified as critical and semi-critical, respectively. The findings demonstrate a strong relationship between urban expansion and groundwater stress and highlight the effectiveness of GIS-based spatial modeling in identifying recharge-loss zones and vulnerable aquifer systems. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning, artificial recharge measures, rainwater harvesting, and integrated groundwater resource management strategies to ensure long-term water security and groundwater sustainability.
Keywords: Groundwater, GIS, Urbanization, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), Remote Sensing, NDVI, Groundwater Recharge, Hydrogeology, Water Quality
How to Cite?: Y. Sobha Lakshmi Kumari, "GIS-Based Assessment of Urbanization Impact on Groundwater Resources in a Rapidly Urbanizing Region of Hyderabad, India", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 915-922, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26614012736, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26614012736