Spatial Distribution and Temporal Change in Irrigated Area in Relation to the Hydrological Characteristics of the Gomti River Basin: A Case Study of Lucknow District.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20208501

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution of irrigated areas and irrigation sources at block level and also observes the temporal variations in the irrigated areas and sources of Lucknow district from 2000 to 2023; study is especially focused on the relationship between irrigation dynamics and the hydrological behaviour specifically ground water table of the Gomti River. Using block-wise data, the study outlines a huge decline in the total irrigated area in the district, and across the blocks, accompanied by a shift from surface water irrigation sources such as canals and ponds toward tube wells (groundwater-based irrigation). The spatial analysis shows significant reduction in irrigated areas in all 8 blocks except Mal block. The outcome of the study reveals growing hydrological stress on ground water table in the Gomti River basin, driven by urbanization, declining river discharge, decreased ground water recharge and overexploitation of groundwater resources.

Keywords: Irrigation, Groundwater, Urbanization, Agriculture, Gomti river, Canal.