Abstract

Indo-Gangetic plains are categorized as over stressed due to intense agricultural practices specifically dependent on ground water extraction. The exploitation of all resources in general and groundwater resources in particular are posing a serious threat to sustenance of flora and fauna. In the present study an effort has been made to demarcate the palaeochannels of Sangrur district, Punjab (29 40’ and 30 38’N, 75 16’and 76 10’E) with the help of sophisticated tools like GIS and satellite remote sensing which provides synoptic, multi-spectral and multi-temporal coverage. Neotectonic movements in the Late Quaternary lead to change in the direction of the flow of various drainage systems. The migration and later on abandonment of these drainage systems have given rise to number of dry Palaeochannels which are seen as great potential source of groundwater in the study area where groundwater levels are steeply declining. Inference of drilling data proposes that vertical thickness of palaeochannels ranges between 70 to 140 meters, constituted of alternating layers of fine to medium sands with occasional gravels. Groundwater quality along these palaeochannels are of good quality hence makes it a future target area for groundwater exploitation. Technological interventions are need of the hour to develop our resources on sustainable approach as it will help us to demarcate and quantify these resources for sustainable development and this study is an attempt in this direction.

Keywords: Neotectonic; Quaternary; Drainage; Groundwater; Palaeochannels; GIS; Remote sensing