Research Projects

Groundwater is a crucial component of the agricultural economy in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGPs), with parts of western Uttar Pradesh being water-based. Excessive aquifer exploitation for agricultural prosperity has led to groundwater decline, with temporary water level fluctuations indicating increased sensitivity to rainfall and surface water availability. Numerical modeling can help represent groundwater dynamics and future aquifer storage responses due to increased pumping, reduced recharge, or altered hydrogeological boundary conditions. Groundwater models can also show the impact of climate change, cropping patterns, and energy demands on groundwater resources. Environmental pollution and heavy metal accumulations in agriculture soils can be mobilized to groundwater or enter the human food chain, making quality monitoring crucial for sustainable development. Groundwater-dependent agriculture, particularly in areas with high population density, relies on groundwater resources. Declining water levels require more energy to extract water from deeper depths, which can reduce profitability and impact socio-economic frameworks. This makes groundwater-dependent agriculture more vulnerable, particularly for small and marginal agricultural land owners. This study aims to provide an integrated approach to address groundwater depletion, quality deterioration, and escalating energy demands in the energy and groundwater sectors. Understanding dependency and risk assessment is essential for effective and proactive management of energy-groundwater interactions.

0