GIS Approach Based Spatio-Temporal Change Analysis of Ground Water Resource: A Case Study from East Burdwan District of West Bengal, India

The present paper tries to highlight the Spatio-temporal changing pattern and fluctuation pattern of ground water of Bhatar Block. Above 80% local people of the block are connected with agricultural activity and winter cultivation of the region mostly depends on ground water resource and small part of winter cultivation depends on surface water resource. The depletion rate of ground water resource during study period is very important. A clear warning of unsustainable changes of ground water resource in the area is identified in the present work. The changes of cropping pattern and ever-increasing demand in domestic sector are leading to depletion of ground water resource. Experience gathered during field visit and information collected from local people is that most of the hand pumps remain waterless from the month of December. Though the block recorded an overall decrease of ground water resources, but its level varies spatially from one part of the block to another. The deteriorating ground water trends advocate that water resource management must be taken acutely prior to diminishing water levels. In the final part, an appropriate plan for ground water resource management and encouragement for alternative crop cultivation are recommended.