1804/DBR/2013

भारत सरकार
जल संसाधन मंत्रालय
केंद्रीय भूजल बोर्ड
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

महाराष्ट्र राज्य के अंतर्डत नांदेड़ जजले की

भूजल विज्ञान जानकारी
GROUND WATER INFORMATION
NANDED DISTRICT
MAHARASHTRA

By द्िारा
Abhay Nivasarkar अभय ननिसरकर
Scientist-B िैज्ञाननक - ख
मध्य क्षेत्र, नार्पुर
CENTRAL REGION, NAGPUR
2013
 NANDED DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
1. GENERAL
Geographical Area : 10502 sq. km
Administrative Divisions (As on : Taluka- 16; Mahur, Kinwat, Himayatnagar,
31/03/2007) Hadjav, Ardhapur, Nanded,Mudkhed, Umri,
Dharmabad, Biboli, Nyegaon, Loha Jandhar,
Mukhed Dejlur,
Villages : 1580
Population (2011 Census) : 33.57 lakhs
Average Annual Rainfall (2010) : 767 to 1285 mm
Urban Centers : 13
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major Physiographic unit : Plateau’s having plain terrain with undulations
Major Drainage : One ; Godawari
3. LAND USE (2000-01)
Forest Area : 91916 ha.
Net Area Sown : 711000 sq. km.
Cultivable rea : 7,80,600 sq. km.
4. SOIL TYAPE
Medium to deep black soil and deep brown to red soil (Regur).
5. PRINCIPAL CROPS (2010-11)
Soyabeen : 24108.04 MT
Jowar : 24077 MT
Cotton : 21603.69 MT
Pulses : 12581.87 MT
Sugarcane : 14416.00 MT
Rice : 503.04 . MT
Wheat : 5249.78 MT
6. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES (2000-01)-
Nos./Potential Created (ha)
Major scheme : 5
Medium : 10
Minor : 312
Lift irrigat : 40
Gross irrigated area : 47,455 ha
Net Irrigated Area : 38,317 ha
Surface water irrigation : 8,883 ha
Ground water irrigation : 29,434 ha
7. GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS (As on 31/05/2007)
Dugwells : 41
Piezometers : 04
8. GEOLOGY
Recent : Alluvium
Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene : Basalt (Deccan Traps)
Precambrian : Vindhyan (Sandstone and Limestone)
Archean : Peninsular Granite Gneisses Complex, Intrusive
Pink and Grey Granite, Dolerire Quartz vain,
BHQ (Dharwar System)

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9. HYDROGEOLOGY
Water Bearing Formation : Basalt- Weathered/fractured/ jointed
vesicular/massive, under phreatic and semi-
confined to confined conditions.
Alluvium- Sand and Gravel, under semi-confined
to confined conditions.
Premonsoon Depth to Water Level (May- : 2.93 to 13.98 m bgl
2011)
Postmonsoon Depth to Water Level : 1.9 to 7.93 m bgl
(Nov.-2011)
Premonsoon Water Level Trend (2000- :Rise: Negligible to 0.52 m/year
2011) Fall: 0.01 to 1.09 m/year
Postmonsoon Water Level Trend (2000- : Rise: 0.01 to 0.68 m/year
2011) Fall: Negligible to 1.34 m/year
Ground water exploration 72 (37 EW+26 OW+9 PZ)
High yielding well : 38 (Discharge > 3 lps)
Depth Range : 12.85 – 208 m
10. Quality of ground water : Good suitable for drinking & irrigation purposes
excluding few areas
Occurrence of heavy metals : Traces of Pb, Mn& Cd in Tupa MIDC area,
Nanded
11. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES (As on 31/03/2009)
Net Annual Ground Water Availability : 138692.55 ham

Total Draft (Irrigation + Domestic) : 2654.91ham

Provision for domestic and industrial : 5309.82 ham

requirement supply to 2025
Net Ground Water Availability for future : 94201.35 ham
irrigation development (10-11-14)
Stage of GW Development : 30.16%
12. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY
A Mass Awareness Programme : (2005-06)
a. Date : 09.08.2005
b. Place : Biloli
c. Participants : 300
B Water Management Training Programme : (2005-06)

Date : 10.08.2005
Place : Nanded
Participants : 45
13 Ground water Control Regulation : OE Taluka NIL
Critical Taluka NIL
Notified Taluka NIL

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 Ground Water Information
Nanded District
Contents
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................1
2.0 Climate and Rainfall ........................................................................3
3.0 Geomorphology ...............................................................................4
4.0 Ground Water Scenario ...................................................................5
4.1 Hydrogeology...................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Water Level Scenarion ...................................................................................... 7
4.3 Aquifer Parameter ........................................................................................... 10
4.4 Ground Water Resources ................................................................................ 10
4.5 Ground Water Quality .................................................................................... 12
4.6 Status of Ground Water Development ........................................................... 14
5.0 Ground Water Management Strategy ..........................................15
5.1 Ground Water Development ........................................................................... 15
5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge................................................ 16
6.0 Ground Water Related Issues and Problems .............................. 17
7.0 Mass Awareness and Training Activities ......................................18
8.0 Areas Notified by CGWA/SGWA .................................................18
9.0 Recommendations ..........................................................................18

List of Figures
1. Administrative divisions
2. Hydrogeology
3. Depth to Water Level (Premonsoon- May 2011)
4. Depth to Water Level (Postmonsoon- Nov. 2011)

List of Tables
1. Salient Features of Ground Water Exploration.
2. Taluk wise Annual Rainfall Data (2008-12).
3. Taluka wise Ground Water Resources (March 2009).
4. Classification of Ground Water Samples based on BIS Drinking Water
Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003).
5. Classification of Ground Water for Irrigation based on RSC.

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 Ground Water Information
Nanded District
1.0 Introduction
Nanded District lies between 18°16’ to 19°55’ North latitude and 76°56’ and
78°19’ east longitude in the eastern part of Marathwada Region, which corresponds to
Aurangabad Division of Maharashtra. The district is bounded by Nizamabad, Medak and
Adilabad districts of Andhra Pradesh on the east, by Bidar District of Karnataka on the
south, by Parbhani and Latur districts of Marathwada on the west, and Yavatmal District
of Vidarbha region on the north. The geographical area of the district is 10502 sq km .
According to 2001 census the population of the district is 33.57 lakhs

Figure 1: Administrative Map

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 Administratively, the district is subdivided into three revenue sub-divisions,
namely Nanded, Deglur and Kinwat. These three subdivisions together comprise of 16
talukas. There are total 1580 village out of which 1515 are unhabitated and the rest
emhabitated and 13 urban center in the district .Nanded is district headquarter and other
important town are Dharmabad, Biloli, Duglur, Mukhed, Kandhar, Hadgaon, Kiwat,
Umri, Mudkahed and Loha etc. Administrative map is shown in Figure 1.
The total area under forest in the district is 91916 hectares. The soil of the district
are black and fertile . The district has got net cultivable area of 7,80,600 ha. Food grains
are grown in 62.74 % of the area and the main cash crops are cotton, banana and
sugarcane. The gross irrigated area is 47,455 ha and the net irrigated area is 38,317 ha.
Out of this surface water and ground water irrigated area is 8,883 and 29,434 ha (1994-
95) respectively
Central Ground Water Board has conducted following studies in the district
Systematic Hydrogeological survey was taken up by CGWB in Nanded district in
year 1983-84 and was completed by 1989-90
The Reappraisal Hydrogeological studies were taken up by CGWB from 1993-94
and total of 8821 sq. km was covered till 1997-98.
Ground water exploration was undertaken during 1995-1998 to determine
formation wise aquifer parameter for deciphering the ground water conditions.
The district was fully covered by constructing 37 exploratory well and 26
observation wells.
Nine piezometer have also been constructed under World Bank added National
Hydrology Project during 1998-99 for continuous monitoring of water level by
installing depth to water level recorder (DWLR) on 3 Piezometer.
Surface Geophysical surveys have been carried out in the district at 19 locations
all over the district for site selection of exploratory wells.
An urban study detailing the hydrogeology of Nanded Waghala Municipal
Corporation and impact of population on ground water regime was taken up
during year 2001-02.
A pollution study was also taken up during year 2002-03, to assess the impact of
industrial effluents on ground water quality in the vicinity of Tuppa village MIDC

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 area, Nanded.
Central Ground Water Board, Central region carried out ground water exploratory
drilling by deploying DTH rig. from 1995 to 1998. A total of 37 Exploratory and 26
Observation wells were drilled in the district. Apart from above, under the World Bank
aided Hydrology Project 9 Piezometers were drilled to monitor ground water level in the
district. Out of 72 wells 38 wells yielded more than 3 lps discharge. Exceptionally high
discharge of around 70,000 lph was recorded at 8 places in Bhokar, Biloli, and Kandhar
Talukas. The salient feature of the wells drilled under exploration programme and
Hydrology project is presented in the table 1.

Table 1: Salient Features of Exploratory wells Drilled in Nanded District

Sl Taluka EW OW PZ Total Depth Yield No of well Transmissivity Storativity
no Range Range with >3 lps (m2/day)
(mbgl) (LPH) Discharge
No %

1 Nanded 5 4 0 9 52.00- 2808 to 7 77.77 25 -85.64 0.00262 to

208.00 67212 0.029
2 Bhokar 4 3 1 8 86.05- 504 to 6 85.71 74.05 – 0.00074 to
178.15 67212 156.156.14 0.0024
3 Hadgaon 5 1 2 5 134.00- Dry to 2 33.33 546.11
202.00 52236
4 Kinwat 8 5 2 15 86.05 – 504 to 6 46.15 16.90 – 593.36 0.00035
183.65 37224
5 Biloli 5 3 3 11 55.55 – 21060 to 4 50.00 46.65 – 73.67 0.0732
130.00 70776
6 Deglur 2 1 3 54.00 – Traces- 2 66.66 212.01 0.01169
122.00 12060
7 Muedkh 3 1 4 78.00 – Traces- 2 50.00 2.62 0.000869
107.50 18540
8 Kandhar& 5 8 1 14 12.85 – 504 to 10 76.92 22.96 – 73.57 0.00002 –
Loha 201.95 64717 0.00035
9 Total 37 26 9 72 12.85 – 504 to 38 60.82 2.62 – 393.36 0.00035-
208.00 70776 0.0732

2.0 Climate and Rainfall

The climate of the district is generally dry except in monsoon season. The district
gets 89% of the rain from south west monsoon. The rainfall increases from west to east.
Average annual rainfall is in the range of 767 to 1285 mm with an average of 47 rainy
days.
The mean daily maximum and maximum temperatures are 13.1°C and 42° during
December and during May respectively. The relative humidity is high during SW

3
monsoon season when it ranges between 60% and 80%. Winds are generally light during
October to March and they get strength in the later half of the summer and south west
monsoon season. Thunderstorms occur in summer and monsoon months. Their frequency
being higher in June and September. Dust raising winds are common during summer
afternoons. Taluka wise rainfall dada for the period 2008-2012 is given in table 2.

Table 2: Taluka wise Rainfall Data of Nanded District (in mm)

Taluka 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Average
Biloli 636 407.6 743 603 674 612.72
Deglur 429 547 781 692 643.4 618.48
Nanded 384 458 1271 581 506 640
Naigaon khurd 659 507 969 668 489 658.4
Loha 642 637 1031 674 389 674.6
Mukhed 657 429 879 737 745 689.4
Hadgaon 530 443 1154 674 685 697.2
Kandhar 472 516 1213 817 527 709
Dharmabad 734 637 989 773 597 746
Bhokar 644 805 1288 440 685 772.4
Ardhapur 672 631 1281 657 651 778.4
Mudkhed 530 674 1374 672 667 783.4
Umari 758 583 1214 846 594 799
Himayat Nagar 794 553 1315 720 829 842.2
Mahur 713 683 1149 923 886 870.8
Kinwat 884 579 1335 835 1004 927.4

It is observed from table 2 that average rainfall for the period 2008-2012 varies
from 612.72 mm at Biloli to 927.04 mm at Kinwat. Highest rainfall has occurred during
2010 at all the stations.

3.0 Geomorphology
The district is situated on plateau’s having plain terrain with undulations. The
main trend from hills is northwest to south west. There are three distinct traces of
elevation 350, to 570 masl, 570 to 600 masl, and >600 masl.
The principal rivers of the district are the Godavari, the Penganga, the Manjara

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and the Mansar. The river Godavari runs 140 kms and it has three tributaries Asna, Sita,
and Siddha in the district. The river Manjara forms the district boundary on south east
side for 40 km and has two tributaries viz. Mannar and Lendi. The Penganga river forms
northern boundary of the district and flows west to east with a big “S” shape curve. A
water fall of 10-12 m named as a “Sahastrakunda Fall” is situated near Islapur village in
Kinwat taluka and it has two tributaries viz., Kayadhu and Tamsa nala.
Based on geomorphic setting and drainage pattern the basin of the district are
divided into 49 watersheds and out of these 17,18 and 14 watershed fall in runoff zone ,
Recharge zone and discharge zone respectively.

4.0 Ground Water Scenario

4.1 Hydrogeology
The main water bearing formation of the district is Alluvium, Deccan trap basalt
and Granite. A map depicting the hydrogeological features is shown in figure 2. A brief
description of water bearing formations is given below.
These Archeans have negligible primary porosity. However, joints fissure due to
weathering and faulting of the formation develop secondary porosity. The thickness of
weathering of these rocks in the district varies from place to place and ranges between 6 –
29 m depth as observed in Deglur and Bitoli Taluka. The joints and fractured porosity
reduces with depth. Based on ground water exploration results, the aquifers are usually
limited down to depth of 177 m bgl.
The water bearing capacity of vesicular basalt depends upon the size, percentage,
density and degree of interconnection of vesicles. The vesicular basalt has moderate
water bearing capacity, which is susceptible to weathering. It is generally observed that
‘Pahoehoe” flows having uniformly distributed vesicle have good porosity and
permeability hence constitutes a good aquifer. The massive basalt are hard and compact
in nature and are basically devoid of any primary porosity and permeability. It is seen that
when the thickness of these zones is appreciable say 30-60% of a flow , it forms an
aquifer of moderate to high potential. The inter-trappeans and bole beds are saturated
with water but are relatively impermeable thus they are act as aquiclude and do not yield
appreciable quantity of water.

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 FRESH WATER YEAR - 2003
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

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The alluvium deposits are restricted along the river courses and total area of
alluvium is about 528 sq km and these have individual extension of 5 to 20 km2 and 12 to
m in thickness. These are generally comprised of clay, still, gravels and occasionally
9 occurring below water level form productive
cobbles. The coarser granular strata when
aquifer and the porosity of there granular zone range from 10 to 15%. It is noticed that
deeper water levels have been recorded from the wells located on the bank of the river.

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4.2 Water Level Scenario
The depth to water level data from 41 National Hydrograph Network Stations
(NNHS) in the district four times a year i.e. January, May (Pre monsoon), August and
November (Post monsoon).
4.2.1 Depth to Water Level (Pre monsoon 2011)
It is observed that premonsoon water level (May 2011) varies from 2.93 m at
Unkeshwar to 13.98 at Jamb Buzurg. Arial distribution of depth to water level during pre
monsoon has been depicted in figure 3. Depth to water level between 10-15mbgl are
observed in major part of the district. Water level between 5-10m is observed in the
southern part of the district and also as isolated patches. Shallow water level between 2-
5mbgl are observed in the northern most part of the district.
4.2.2 Depth to Water Level (Post monsoon 2011)
Post monsoon depth to water level varies between 1.9 Unkeshwar and 7.93 at Dhawari
Buzurg in the district. Areal distribution of depth to water level during post monsoon has
been depicted in figure 4. Water level in the range of 2-5 are observed in major parts of
the district. Water level between 5-10mbgl are observed in the central and north eastern
parts whereas, water level of less than 2 mbgl is observed as small patch in the south
western parts of the district.
4.2.3 Seasonal Water Level Fluctuation
Seasonal water level fluctuation varies from 0.53m at Naigaon to 9.08m at Jam Buzurg.
Majority of the wells have recorded fluctuation of less than 3m.
4.2.4 Water Level Trend (2002-2011)
4.2.4.1 Pre-monsoon Trend
The decadal long term water level data from 2002 to 2011 of both pre and post
monsoon season has been analysed to study the behavior of water level over a period of
time. It is observed that during pre monsoon period rise of water level has been observed
in the range of negligible to 0.52m/Year whereas fall is observed in the range of 0.01 to
1.09m per year. Out of 18 , the 03 well showing rise in decadal water level whereas 16
wells shows decadal fall in water level.

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4.2.4.2 Post monsoon Trend
Trend analysis of post monsoon water level data from November 2002 to
November 2011 shows rise as well as fall in the water level trends. A rise in the range of
0.01 to 0.6m /year and fall in the range of negligible to 1.34m / year have been recorded
in the district.

Fig. 3: Depth to water level In Nanded District (Pre-monsoon)

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Fig. 4: Depth to water level In Nanded District (Post-monsoon)

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4.3 Aquifer Parameters
Ground water abstraction structures commonly observed in the district are mainly of two
types i.e. dug well and bore well tapping shallow and deeper aquifer respectively.
Dug wells
Dug wells generally range in depth from 10 m to 15 m and 2 to 5 m in diameter
and normally have water column 2 to 7 m. There are 41977 irrigation dug wells in the
district out of which 64187 are electric pump and 1675 diesel pumps where as 445 wells
are not in use. Most of the irrigated wells have been fitted with pumps of 3 to 5 HP. On
average these wells are sustaining pumping for 2 to 4 hour and irrigate 2 to 4 acre land.
For full recuperation of water level, these wells take 12 to 24 hours.
The specific capacity of the wells varies from 25.8 to 456.2 lpm/m in basalt and
36 to 669.6 lpm/m in granite gneisses. The transitivity varies from 35 to 114 m3 /day in
basalts and in granites between 24 to 191 m3 /day . The storativity varies from 0.0013 to
0.008 in basalt and .0005 to 0.0025 in granites.
Bore well
Ground water exploration carried out in the district by Central Ground Water
Board to delineate the extent of aquifer their characteristics, quantity and quality of
ground water with respect to depth. The discharge of the these ore wells varied from 504
lph to 70776 lph . Out of total 63 bore well , 37 bore wells are high discharge yielding
(>3lps discharge) and their discharge ranges from 11250 lph to 70776 lph. Ground Water
Survey and Development Agency (GSDA) Govt. of Maharashtra has also drilled 7804
bore wells (Up to March 1997) under the Rural Water Supply Scheme out of which 5993
bore wells are successful and 883 bore wells are high yielding having a discharge more
then 5000 lph.
4.4 Ground Water Resources
Central Ground Water Board and Groundwater Survey and Development Agency
(GSDA) have jointly estimated the ground water resources of Wardha district based on
GEC-97 methodology as on 2009. The same is presented in Table-3. As per the
estimation the net annual ground water availability is 1386.92 MCM. The gross draft for
all uses is estimated at 418.36 MCM with irrigation sector being the major consumer
having a draft of 391.81 MCM. The domestic and industrial water requirements for the

10
 year 2025 are worked at 53.10 MCM. The net ground water availability for future
irrigation is estimated at 942.01 MCM. Stage of ground water development varies from
18.61% (Kinwat) to 65.72% (Ardhapur). The overall stage of ground water development
for the district is 30.16%. In general, the level of ground water development in the
district is quite low and all the talukas fall in “Safe” Category. .

Table 3: Taluka wise Ground water Resources (2009)

Sl Administrative Net Annual Existing Existing Existing Provision Net Ground Stage of Category
No. Unit Ground Gross Gross Gross for domestic Water Ground
Water Ground Ground Ground and Availability Water
Availability Water Water Water industrial for future Development
Draft for Draft for Draft for requirement irrigation (%)
irrigation domestic All uses supply to development
and 2025
industrial
water
supply

1 Ardhapur 4510.15 2888.45 75.57 2964.02 149.93 1588.06 65.72 Safe

2 Bhokar 9086.59 2591.58 87.37 2678.95 176.01 6319.04 29.48 Safe
3 Biloli 7501.89 1492.01 108.97 1600.98 242.47 6071.38 21.34 Safe
4 Degloor 7808.42 1590.54 304.39 1894.93 611.51 5608.72 24.27 Safe

5 Dharmabad 3558.03 722.03 52.97 774.99 121.52 2742.75 21.78 Safe

6 Hadgaon 15133.52 5041.52 213.85 5255.38 428.37 9745.05 34.73 Safe

7 Himataytnahar 6412.18 2423.25 66.76 2490.01 151.57 3859.74 38.83 Safe

8 Kandhar 12465.55 2775.85 204.1 2979.95 400.98 9291.29 23.91 Safe
9 Kinwat 18361.97 3146.18 270.16 3416.34 537.83 14682.28 18.61 Safe
10 Loha 12805.36 4472.97 223.95 4696.93 447.64 7909.71 36.68 Safe
11 Mahur 6010 1477.75 125.64 1603.39 235.9 4277.91 26.68 Safe
12 Mudkhed 4518.82 2726.51 66.92 2793.43 131.9 1615.04 61.82 Safe
13 Mukhed 11424.68 2386.93 287.11 2674.04 578.23 8489.29 23.41 Safe
14 Naigaon 7655.55 1570.37 125.88 1696.25 231.82 5588.56 22.16 Safe
15 Nanded 6539.92 2605.81 340.98 2946.79 681.18 3005.53 45.06 Safe
16 Umari 4899.9 1269.63 100.29 1369.91 182.95 3407.02 27.96 Safe
TOTAL 138692.5 39181.38 2654.91 41836.29 5309.81 94201.37 30.16 Safe

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4.5 Ground water Quality
CGWB is monitoring the ground water quality of the Nanded district since the last
four decades through its established monitoring wells. The objectives behind the
monitoring are to develop an overall picture of the ground water quality of the district.
During the year 2011, the Board has carried out the ground water quality monitoring of
water samples from 10 monitoring wells. These wells are mainly dug wells representing
the shallow aquifer. The sampling of ground water from these wells was carried out in the
month of May 2011 (pre-monsoon period). The water samples after collection were
immediately subjected to the analysis of various parameters in the Regional Chemical
Laboratory of the Board at Nagpur. The parameters analyzed include pH, Electrical
Conductivity (EC), Total Alkalinity (TA), Total Hardness (TH), Nitrate (NO3) and
Fluoride (F). The sample collection, preservation, storage, transportation and analysis
were carried out as per the standard methods given in the manual of American Public
Health Association for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 1998). The
ground water quality data thus generated was first checked for completeness and then the
validation of data was carried out using standard checks. Subsequently, the interpretation
of data was carried out to develop the overall picture of ground water quality in the
district in the year 2011.
Suitability of Ground Water for Drinking Purpose
The suitability of ground water for drinking purpose is determined keeping in
view the effects of various chemical constituents in water on the biological system of
human being. Though many ions are very essential for the growth of human, but when
present in excess, have an adverse effect on human body. The standards proposed by the
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for drinking water (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003) were
used to decide the suitability of ground water. The classification of ground water
samples was carried out based on the desirable and maximum permissible limits for the
parameters viz., TH, NO3 and F prescribed in the standards and is given in Table-4.

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Table-4: Classification of Ground Water Samples for Drinking based on BIS
Drinking Water Standards (IS-10500-91, Revised 2003)
Parameters DL MPL Samples with Samples with Samples
conc. < DL conc. in DL- with conc.
MPL >MPL
TH (mg/L) 300 600 1 7 2
NO3 (mg/L) 45 No relaxation 1 - 9
F (mg/L) 1.0 1.5 8 1 1
(Here, DL- Desirable Limit, MPL- Maximum Permissible Limit)
The perusal of Table-4 shows that the concentrations of all the parameters except
nitrate in most of the samples are the maximum permissible limit of the within BIS
standards. It is also seen from the Table-4 that the potability of ground water in the wells
is mainly affected due to the Nitrate (NO3) as its concentration exceeds more than MPL
in 90% of samples. Overall, it can be concluded that the ground water quality in the wells
monitored in the district is affected because of high NO3 concentrations.
Suitability of Ground Water for Irrigation Purpose
The water used for irrigation is an important factor in productivity of crop, its
yield and quality of irrigated crops. The quality of irrigation water depends primarily on
the presence of dissolved salts and their concentrations. Electrical Conductivity (EC) and
Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) are the most important quality criteria, which
influence the water quality and its suitability for irrigation.
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
The amount of dissolved ions in the water is best represented by the parameter
electrical conductivity. The classification of water for irrigation based on the EC values is
as follows.
Low Salinity Water (EC: 100-250 µS/cm): This water can be used for irrigation
with most crops on most soils with little likelihood that salinity will develop.
Medium Salinity Water (EC: 250 – 750 µS/cm): This water can be used if
moderate amount of leaching occurs. Plants with moderate salt tolerance can be grown in
most cases without special practices for salinity control.

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 High Salinity Water (EC: 750 – 2250 µS/cm): This water cannot be used on soils
with restricted drainage. Even with adequate drainage, special management for salinity
control may be required and plants with good salt tolerance should be selected.
Very High Salinity Water (EC: >2250 µS/cm): This water is not suitable for
irrigation under ordinary condition. The soils must be permeable, drainage must be
adequate, irrigation water must be applied in excess to provide considerable leaching and
very salt tolerant crops should be selected.
The classification of ground water samples collected from monitoring wells for
was carried out irrigation purpose and given below in Table-5.
It is clear from the Table-5 that maximum number of samples (90%) falls under
the category of high salinity water while nearly 10% of samples fall in medium salinity
water category. This shows that the ground water in the pre-monsoon season from
shallow aquifer in the district should be used for irrigation with proper soil and crop
management practices.
Table-5: Classification of Ground Water for Irrigation based on EC.
Type EC (µS/cm) No. of Samples % of
Samples
Low Salinity Water <250 Nil Nil
Medium Salinity Water 250-750 1 10
High Salinity Water 750-2250 9 90
Very High Salinity Water >2250 - -
Total 10 100.0

4.6 Status of Ground water Development

Ground water development depends on many factors viz., availability, crop water
requirement, socio-economic fabric and on the yield of the aquifers existing in that area.
The yields of wells are functions of the permeability and transmissivity of aquifer
encountered and vary with location, diameter and depth etc. Ground water in the area is
being developed by two type of abstraction structures i.e., borewells and dugwells.
However dugwells are the main ground water abstraction structures in the district.

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 Dug wells generally range in depth from 10 m to 15 m and 2 to 5 m in diameter
and normally have water column 2 to 7 m. There are 41977 irrigation dug wells in the
district out of which 64187 are electric pump and 1675 diesel pumps where as 445 wells
are not in use. Most of the irrigated wells have been fitted with pumps of 3 to 5 HP. On
average these wells are sustaining pumping for 2 to 4 hour and irrigate 2 to 4 acre land.
For full recuperation of water level, these wells take 12 to 24 hours.
The specific capacity of the wells varies from 25.8 to 456.2 lpm/m in basalt and
36 to 669.6 lpm/m in granite gneisses. The transitivity varies from 35 to 114 m3 /day in
basalts and in granites between 24 to 191 m3 /day . The storativity varies from 0.0013 to
0.008 in basalt and .0005 to 0.0025 in granites.
Bore well
Ground water exploration carried out in the district by Central Ground Water
Board to delineate the extent of aquifer their characteristics, quantity and quality of
ground water with respect to depth. The discharge of the these ore wells varied from 504
lph to 70776 lph . Out of total 63 bore well , 37 bore wells are high discharge yielding
(>3lps discharge) and their discharge ranges from 11250 lph to 70776 lph. Ground Water
Survey and Development Agency (GSDA) Govt. of Maharashtra has also drilled 7804
bore wells (Up to March 1997) under the Rural Water Supply Scheme out of which 5993
bore wells are successful and 883 bore wells are high yielding having a discharge more
then 5000 lph.

5.0 Ground water Management Strategy

Ground water has special significance for agricultural development in the State of
Maharashtra. The ground water development in some parts of the State has reached a
critical stage resulting in decline in ground water levels. There is thus a need to adopt an
integrated approach of development of ground water resources dovetailed with ground
water augmentation to provide sustainability to ground water development.

5.1 Ground water Development

The ground water development scenario of the district is favorable for further
ground water development in the years to come as the stage of ground water development

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for the district is merely 30.16% and ground water available for future irrigation
development is 942.01 MCM. The development of this resource the irrigation potential
manifold and it will be less expensive in time and cost as compared to surface water.
However the development is to be carried out in planned manner using suitable ground
water structures depending on the terrain, aquifer potential and quality aspects.

5.2 Water Conservation and Artificial Recharge

The rapid and even in some cases , haphazard development, coupled with absence
of ground water regularity measures, has resulted in depletion of ground water resources
in some part of the district. In such a scenario there is an urgent need to judiciously
manage and efficiently regulate this precious resources . Artificial recharge to ground
water is one of the best possible options to provide sustainable ground water resources to
present and future generations.
Scope of artificial recharge to ground water is ascertained from thickness of unsaturated
strata available above the water table in an unconfind aquifer. Depth to water level data is
used to calculate the volume of unsaturated strata available above it.
Based on CGWB studies, the criteria for selection of area suitable for artificial recharge
are as given below.
Area showing water level between 3-6 m bgl with declining trend
(>0.10m/year).
Area showing water level between 6-9 m bgl with declining trend
(>0.10m/year).
Area showing water level between 6-9 m bgl with declining trend
(<0.10m/year).

The overall ground water development in the district is 30.16%. In Ardhapur

taluka, the ground water development has reached up to 65.72% , hence it is necessary to
adopt water conservation and artificial technique to augment the ground water resources.
A large number of water conservation structures in form of percolation tank, underground
bandaras, (UGB) diversion dams, village tanks and KT weirs are recommended to be
constructed at suitable sites. Though social forestry and agriculture department, Govt. of

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Maharashtra has taken up many schemes with an aim to check monsoon runoff to
conserve water and soil in the district.
In basaltic area, the artificial recharge structures feasible are check dams nala
bunds etc. The structures like gully plugs contour bunds are most feasible in hilly area.
The most feasible artificial recharge structures, suitable for alluvial area restricted along
bank of major river and their tributaries, are shallow recharge well on the river bed of the
tributaries. Percolation tanks are also suitable wherever source water availability is there.
Sites for artificial recharge structure need to be located where the hydrogeological
conditions are favorable i.e. where sufficient thickness of desaturated aquifer exits and
water level is more then 5 m deep.

6.0 Ground water Related Issues and Problems

In the central and north western part the post monsoon water level ranges
between 5-10 m bgl. These are the area where the ground water scarcity is quite common
when rain fall is deficient. Hence special attention is required in above mentioned area
and immediate steps like ground water augmentation by artificial recharge practice and
water conservation should be adopted
The ever increasing demand of for domestic, industrial and irrigation needs have
laid stress on ground water resources. The problem arises due to the urbanization and
industrial pollution are main problems facing the district. The Central Ground Water
Board has undertaken ground water studies in the Nanded–Waghola Municipal
Corporation area and Tuppa, MIDC, industrial area Nanded in 2001-02.
Ground water quality in NWMC area is suitable for drinking purpose excluding
Asdullabad, New Mondha, Gokulnagar, Nandigram Society, Khandakpura, Madinanagar
& Khudbainagar where the Chloride and Nitrate concentration is above the permissible
limits.

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7.0 MASS AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES
Till 2011, one Mass Awareness Programmes and one Water Management Training
Programme have been organized in the district. The details are as below:
A Mass Awareness Programme : (2005-06)
a. Date : 09.08.2005
b. Place : Biloli
c. Participants : 300
B Water Management Training : (2005-06)
Programme
Date : 10.08.2005
Place : Nanded
Participants : 45

8.0 AREAS NOTIFIED BY CGWB/SGWA

As per the Ground water Resource Estimation 2008-09, all talukas fall under safe
category, hence till March 2011, no area has been notified either by CGWB or SGWA.

9.0 RECOMMENDATION
Based on the hydrogeological studies in the district, the following
recommendations are made to achieve the sustainable development in planed and
scientific manner
The overall stage of ground water development for the district is only 30.16, thus
a lot of scope for further development exists.
Most of the part of the district is underlain by Deccan Trap Basalt where dug well
are most feasible structure for ground water development. In order to delineate
and pinpoint favorable site, micro level survey and along with geophysical survey
should be carried out. Wherever possible, borehole should be located in close
vicinity of lineament.
The scope exists for construction of suitable artificial recharge structures in the
district. The structures recommended for the hilly-Basaltic area are: contour
bunds, gully plugs, nala bunds and check dams. For other Basaltic areas, the nala
bunds, check dams and KT weirs are suggested. The existing dugwells may also
be used for artificial recharge of ground water provided source water is free of silt
and dissolved impurities.

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Sewage nalas and lagoon should be lined horizontally and vertically to avoid
ground water pollution due to seepage of sewerage.
Suitable measures should be taken up against the industries violating ETP norms.
Any laxity on this part may lead to further determination of quality of ground
water.
The Nala carrying the treated effluents from MIDC area to Godavari river should
be lined laterally in order to prevent seepage of effluents into the ground water
Periodic analysis of ground water samples should be carried out to check the
suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purpose

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