www.iaset.us editor@iaset.us DELINEATION OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ZONES IN LOWER PONNAIYAR RURAL WATERSHED, CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, INDIA N. SRIDHAR & S. POONGOTHAI Research Scholar and Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu, India ABSTRACT A systematic planning of groundwater development using modern techniques is essential for the proper sustainable groundwater resource management. The groundwater potential zones have been evaluated in Lower Ponnaiyar river basin , Cuddalore District, Tamilnadu, India using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. The thematic maps considered in this study are geomorphology, soil, land use/land cover, slope, drainage density and lineament density, which are prepared from satellite imagery and conventional data. The groundwater potential map was prepared by assigning appropriate weightage to different thematic layers and finally all thematic layers integrated using overlay analysis of ARCGIS software to identify the groundwater recharge potential zones. Based on the weightage factors the map showing these groundwater potential zones categorized as poor, moderate, good and excellent is prepared. The results of this study suggested an efficient groundwater management plan for the study area so as to ensure sustainable management of groundwater resources. KEYWORDS: Groundwater Potential, Remote Sensing and GIS, Thematic Maps INTRODUCTION In general, the occurrence and movement of groundwater, especially in fractured bedrock aquifers, in a given area is governed by factors such as topography, lithology, geology, geomorphology, slope, drainage pattern and climatic conditions. As a result, the groundwater potential varies from place to place, sometimes within a few meters and even within the same geological formation (Dar et al, 2010). In hard rock terrain availability of groundwater is limited and is essentially confined to fractured and weathered zones. There are several methods employed for delineating groundwater potential zones such as geological, hydrological, geophysical and remote sensing techniques. Integration of various thematic maps results in the generation of groundwater potential zone map. In recent times Remote Sensing and GIS techniques are proved to be cost effective and time-saving tool . The integrated approach of Remote Sensing and GIS can provide the appropriate platform for convergent analysis of divergent database for decision making in not only mapping and planning of groundwater resources. but also the management of groundwater resources for its efficient and cost effective use of a region or state. This study is attempted to develop and applies integrated method for combining the information obtained by analysing multi-source remotely sensed data in a GIS environment for better understanding the groundwater resource for a watershed in Cuddalore and Villupuram district, Tamilnadu, India International Journal of Civil Engineering (IJCE) ISSN(P): 2278-9987; ISSN(E): 2278-9995 Vol. 6, Issue 1, Dec - Jan 2017; 15-26 © IASET