Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

S. S. Ahmad ¹, Q. H. Mazumder ¹, S. Jahan ¹, M. Ahmed ¹, S. Islam ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi - 6205, BD

Abstract

Hydrochemistry of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) area is dominated by alkaline earths and weak acids. Total concentration of all major ions in groundwater increases at the end of the monsoon in comparison to that at the end of the pre-monsoon. The groundwater is of calcium-sodium and bicarbonate-chloride facies at the end of the lean pcriod, which changes into calcium-magnesium and bicarbonate facies at the end of the monsoon. Groundwater of the area is classified as "normal chloride", "normal sulphate" and "super carbonate" water. The groundwater here is suitable for livestock consumption and partially suitable for drinking and public health.

Keywords

Groundwater, Hydrochemistry, Monsoon, Rajshahi City, Bangladesh.

Full Text

     

M. I. Adham ¹, C. S. Jahan ¹, Q. H. Mazumder ¹, M. M. A. Hossain ², Al-Mamunul Haque ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, BD
2 GIS Division, Center for Environmental and Geographical Information Services (CEGIS), Dhaka, BD

Abstract

The groundwater recharge potentiality in Barind Tract in Rajshahi district, Northwest Bangladesh was studied based on Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing technique. In this connection satellite images (Landsat 7 ETM and SPOT) and aerial photos were subjected to several treatment processes using softwares like ERDAS Imagine and ESRI's Arc View. Thus various thematic maps have been prepared for drainage density, lineaments, lithology and land Cover/Use that allowed deciding their interactive effect. In the present study, the degree of effect was determined for each factor to assess the total groundwater recharge potentiality for two categories (moderate to low). The resultant map shows that 85% of the area has low, and rest has moderate groundwater recharge potentiality. Finally only 8.6% of the total average annual precipitated water (1685mm) percolates into subsurface and ultimately contributes to recharge the groundwater.

Keywords

GIS, Remote Sensing, Recharge Potentiality, Barind Tract, Bangladesh.

Full Text

     

C. S. Jahan ¹, Q. H. Mazumder ¹, A. T. M. M. Islam ¹, M. I. Adham ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, BD

Abstract

The Barind Integrated Area Development Project (BIADP), NW Bangladesh launched in late eighties of last century boosted cropping intensity from 117% in pre-BIADP to about 200% at present. Increasing trend of rainfall for the period 1980-2006 in the southern portion had a positive impact on BIADP, but in the northeastern part, reverse trend is indicated. The groundwater outflow from the central part following the surface gradient is indicative of effluent drainage characteristics. Although rainfall has increased in the southern part, there has been progressive decline in groundwater level due to increase in irrigation demand. In the northern part there has been decline in groundwater level due to less resource potential. The PET, ET_crops and net irrigation requirement generally has decreased from pre- to post- Project implementation stages and rainwater has been the supplementary irrigation resource and thus dependency on groundwater has been reduced with exception in northwestern part. While the southern part is marching towards humid condition, north is creeping towards semi-aridity. Proper groundwater resource management with ecological balance is warranted for the sustainability of BIADP.

Keywords

Impact Evaluation, Meteorological Data, Groundwater Hydrograph, BIADP, NW Bangladesh.

Full Text

     

M. Al Mamunal Haque ¹, C. S. Jahan ¹, Q. H. Mazumder ¹, S. M. S. Nawaz ², G. C. Mirdha ², P. Mamud ³, M. I. Adham ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, BD
2 Irrigation Management Division, Institute of Water Modeling, BD
3 Water Supply Division, Rajshahi City Corporation, BD

Abstract

The Rajshahi city is the fourth largest metropolitan city in Bangladesh on the bank of the River Padma (Ganges). Here an upper semi-impervious layer overlies aquifer - the source for large-scale groundwater development. The groundwater resource study using Visual MODFLOW modeling shows that recharge occurs mainly due to infiltration of rainfall and urban return flow at low rate, and water level fluctuates seasonally in response to recharge and discharge. Hydraulic connection between river and aquifer which indicates inflow from high river water levels beyond its boundaries. The total groundwater abstraction in 2004 (15000 million liters) is lower than total input to aquifer reveals an ample potentiality for groundwater development with increasing demand. But groundwater shortage (1000 million liter/year) especially in the vicinity of the River Padma in dry season happens due to its increasing use and fall of river water level resulting in reduced inflows and hence decline in groundwater level. The conjunctive use of surface water-groundwater and its economic use will help for sustainable groundwater supply to avoid adverse impact.

Keywords

Hydrogeology, Groundwater Resource Assessment, Aquifer, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

Full Text