Estimation of hydraulic properties of aquifers of the Katepurna River basin, Akola District, Maharashtra with emphasis on pumping test analysis

Detailed geological and hydro-geological investigations have been carried out for a part of Katepurna River basin, Akola District, Maharashtra with emphasis on pumping test analysis with an aim to understand the geophysical, geological, geomorphologic and environmental control on the groundwater regime of the region. The study area is characterized by the presence of 140m thick horizontal sequence of lava flows which can be divided in simple and compound units based on their field characters, textual parameters and geomorphic expression.Detailed study of geomorphic features and the analysis of the remotely sensed data through visual interpretation of the Katepurna River basin around Akola region, Amravati District were carried out to elucidate the role of various morphometric features, geomorphic processes and structural trends in the evolution of the landscape. The results indicate the presence of seven distinctly different geomorphic units which include alluvial plain, bajada zone, moderately dissected plateau, highly dissected plateau, plateau top, structural ridge and denudational hill. Hill slopes exhibit stepped appearance with parallel retreat during pediplanation due to differential erosion of various litho units exposed in the region. The structural, denudational and alluvial landforms, on the basis of land use and land cover have been sub-divided into agriculture land, built up land, wasteland and water bodies. In addition, remote sensing techniques have been effectively utilized in identifying the potential aquifers so as to enable groundwater exploration in the region. The present investigation based on numerous topographical profiles have shown the presence of marked flat terraces at different levels indicating the present state of the cycle of erosion and landform development. The results confirm the hydrogeological and morpho-tectonic conditions, which have also helped in locating suitable aquifers for the water resource development of the region.