Department Of Geography
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://kr.cup.edu.in/handle/32116/89
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Item Simulating Groundwater Potential Zones in Mountainous Indian Himalayas�A Case Study of Himachal Pradesh(MDPI, 2023-03-13T00:00:00) Sud, Anshul; Kanga, Rahul; Singh, Suraj Kumar; Meraj, Gowhar; Kanga, Shruti; Kumar, Pankaj; Ramanathan, A.L.; Sudhanshu; Bhardwaj, VinayGroundwater resources are increasingly important as the main supply of fresh water for household, industrial, and agricultural activities. However, overuse and depletion of these resources can lead to water scarcity and resource deterioration. Therefore, assessing groundwater availability is essential for sustainable water management. This study aims to identify potential groundwater zones in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh using the Multi Influencing Factor (MIF) technique, a modern decision-making method widely used in various sectors. Geospatial models were integrated with the MIF technique to evaluate prospective groundwater areas. Grid layouts of all underground water influencing variables were given a predetermined score and weight in this decision-making strategy. The potential groundwater areas were then statistically assessed using graded data maps of slope, lithology, land-use, lineament, aspect, elevation, soil, drainage, geomorphology, and rainfall. These maps were converted into raster data using the raster converter tool in ArcGIS software, utilizing Survey of India toposheets, SRTM DEM data, and Resourcesat-2A satellite imageries. The prospective groundwater zones obtained were classified into five categories: nil�very low, covering 0.34% of the total area; very low�low (51.64%); low�moderate (4.92%); moderate�high (18%) and high�very high (25%). Scholars and policymakers can collaborate to develop systematic exploration plans for future developments and implement preservative and protective strategies by identifying groundwater recharge zones to reduce groundwater levels. This study provides valuable insights for long-term planning and management of water resources in the region. � 2023 by the authors.Item Status of Air Pollution during COVID-19-Induced Lockdown in Delhi, India(MDPI, 2022-12-13T00:00:00) Singh, Harikesh; Meraj, Gowhar; Singh, Sachchidanand; Shrivastava, Vaibhav; Sharma, Vishal; Farooq, Majid; Kanga, Shruti; Singh, Suraj Kumar; Kumar, PankajTo monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), India, during the last week of March 2020, imposed national restrictions on the movement of its citizens (lockdown). Although India�s economy was shut down due to restrictions, the nation observed a sharp decline in particulate matter (PM) concentrations. In recent years, Delhi has experienced rapid economic growth, leading to pollution, especially in urban and industrial areas. In this paper, we explored the linkages between air quality and the nationwide lockdown of the city of Delhi using a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach. Data from 37 stations were monitored from 12 March, 2020 to 2 April, 2020 and it was found that the Air Quality Index for the city was almost reduced by 37% and 46% concerning PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The study highlights that, in regular conditions, the atmosphere�s natural healing rate against anthropogenic activities is lower, as indicated by a higher AQI. However, during the lockdown, this sudden cessation of anthropogenic activities leads to a period in which the natural healing rate is greater than the induced disturbances, resulting in a lower AQI, and thus proving that this pandemic has given a small window for the environment to breathe and helped the districts of Delhi to recover from serious issues related to bad air quality. If such healing windows are incorporated into policy and decision-making, these can prove to be effective measures for controlling air pollution in heavily polluted regions of the World. � 2022 by the authors.