Investigation of groundwater recharge prospect and hydrological response of groundwater augmentation measures in Upper Kosi watershed, Kumaun Himalaya, India

The discharge pattern of springs in the Himalayan region is highly variable due to diverse lithology, complex hydro-geological formations and dynamic tectonic activities. Therefore, delineation of groundwater recharge potential zones is extremely essential for sustainability of groundwater resources in Himalayan region. Apart from delineating potential zone, it becomes more important to evaluate the identified recharge zones for their validity. The current study therefore, was aimed to delineate recharge potential zones that suggested the suitable sites where potential of recharging groundwater is more. Second objective of the study included evaluation of identified recharge sites/zone through implementation of groundwater recharge structures followed by monitoring discharge in Upper Kosi watershed in Uttarakhand, Kumaun Himalaya, India. Standard technique was established in order to detect potential recharge sites through allocating weightage as well as score to various controlling through multi-criteria decision-making approach in GIS domain. The results indicated that only 19.6% area in the Upper Kosi basin lied in good to excellent recharge potential. However, 31.7% and 15.2% area lied in fair and moderate recharge potential which was also considered as suitable for execution of artificial recharge structures. Moreover, a slow recession in discharge was observed from the treated micro-watershed as compared to the untreated one. This validates the legitimacy of the recharge zone(s) identified using the contended approach. [Display omitted] •Groundwater is controlled by topographical and hydro geological factors.•High spatial variability in groundwater recharge capacity exists in the study area.•Groundwater augmentation measures are recommended to sustain water springs.