Geospatial Assessment Of Groundwater Vulnerability And Urbanization-Related Risks In Chamoli District

Abstract

Groundwater vulnerability is an important environmental concern in mountainous regions, where changing land-use patterns, urban expansion, and increasing human activities can affect groundwater quality, availability, and recharge processes. The present study aims to assess groundwater vulnerability and urbanization-related risks in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, using geospatial techniques. The district’s complex topography, geological diversity, variable rainfall patterns, and expanding settlements create distinct challenges for sustainable groundwater management. The study proposes the use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to analyse land-use and land-cover changes, settlement expansion, drainage networks, slope, soil characteristics, geology, and rainfall distribution. These parameters can be integrated through a suitable multi-criteria decision analysis approach to identify areas with varying levels of groundwater vulnerability. The assessment also seeks to examine how increasing built-up areas, vegetation loss, surface runoff, and unplanned development may influence groundwater recharge and contamination risks. Spatial vulnerability maps can help identify environmentally sensitive zones and areas requiring priority intervention. The expected findings may support sustainable urban planning, groundwater conservation, and risk-informed land management in the Himalayan region. The study can provide valuable geospatial information for policymakers, planners, and environmental agencies to strengthen groundwater protection strategies and promote ecologically responsible development in Chamoli District.