Hydrogeospatial and GRACE-Satellite Data Based Investigation of Groundwater Recharge Dynamics in Jalgaon, Maharashtra

Abstract. Severe groundwater depletion has been reported in semi-arid regions of India due to intensive irrigation practices, declining rainfall trends, and limited natural recharge. In this context, Jalgaon district in North Maharashtra has been examined using GRACE satellite-derived groundwater storage anomalies (GWSA), which were integrated with hydrogeological, climatic, and geospatial datasets to assess groundwater recharge potential at a regional scale. A high-resolution recharge potential map was generated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) within a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework. The results indicate that approximately 18.7% of the area was classified as having high recharge potential, mainly along the Tapi River alluvium, lineament corridors, and zones with moderate soil permeability. Around 42.5% of the area was identified with moderate recharge potential, while 38.8% was delineated as low to very low, particularly within basaltic plateau regions that exhibit poor infiltration capacity. Groundwater anomalies derived from GRACE satellite data have displayed a declining trend of −1.2 to −2.5 m/decade, indicating unsustainable extraction. Pediplains and valley fills containing artificial recharge structures, such as check dams and percolation tanks, were observed to show relatively improved resilience. This study has contributed a scientific basis for prioritising micro-watershed level recharge interventions under programmes such as Jal Yukta Shivar Abhiyan and Atal Bhujal Yojana, with an emphasis on structurally favourable and hydrogeologically responsive zones to strengthen groundwater sustainability.