For Official Use Only
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
GROUND WATER BROCHURE
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
(AAP- 2012-13)
SOUTHERN REGION
HYDERABAD
September 2013
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
GROUND WATER BROCHURE
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
(AAP 2012-13)
By
Dr. P. N. RAO
SCIENTIST-D
BHUJAL BHAWAN
NH-IV, Faridabad,
Haryana, India
Te: 0129-2419074
Fax: 0129-2412524, 2413050
Gram: Bhumijal
SOUTHERN REGION
GSI Post,
Bandlaguda
Hyderabad 500 068
Tel: 040-24225201
Fax: 040-24225202
Email: [email protected]
GROUND WATER BROCHURE
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
(AAP 2012-13)
CONTENTS
DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
1.0
INTRODUCTION
2.0
RAINFALL & CLIMATE
3.0
GEOMORPHOLOGY & SOIL TYPES
4.0
GROUND WATER SCENARIO
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5.0
Hydrogeology
Ground Water Resources
Ground Water Quality
Status of ground water development
GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
5.1
5.2
5.3
Ground Water Development
Water Conservation & Artificial Recharge
Ground Water Related issues & Problems
6.0
GROUND WATER RELATED PROBLEMS & ISSUES
7.0
GROUND WATER QUALITY
8.0
AWARENESS & TRAINING ACTIVITY
9.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURES:
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
Administrative divisions, Drainage, location of exploratory wells, West
Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
Hydrogeology, West Godavari district
Panel Diagram showing disposition of geological formations
Geological cross section
Depth to water level- Premonsoon (May, 2012) and post-monsoon (Nov,
2012).
Hydrographs of select hydrographs
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
Sl
No
1
ITEM
GENERAL INFORMATION
i) Geographical area (Sq.km)
ii) Administrative Divisions
Number of Mandals
Number of Revenue Villages
Municipalities
iii) Population (As on 2011 census)
iv) Normal Annual Rainfall (mm)
v) Annual rainfall (2012) (mm)
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major physiographic units
Major drainages
3
4
5
LAND USE (ha) (2012)
a) Forest area
b) Net area sown
MAJOR SOIL TYPES
AREA IRRIGATED UNDER DIFFERENT
SOURCES (As on 2010-11)
Dug wells
Tube wells/Bore wells/Filter point wells
Tanks/ponds
Canals
Other sources
Net irrigated area (ha)
Gross irrigated area (ha)
GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS
(CGWB) (As on November, 2012)
No.of dug wells
No.of piezometers
7
8
PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL
FORMATIONS
HYDROGEOLOGY
Major water bearing formations
Pre-monsoon depth to water level, 2012
Post-monsoon depth to water level, 2012
Statistics
7,795
46
910
8
39,34,782
1078
1612
Alluvial plain, Upland area
Godavari, Yerrakalava,
Tammileru, Ramleru
81,166
4,71,442
Sandy loams, black cotton soils,
coastal sands
2663
1,71,985
18,161
1,78,762
7,708
3,79,279
5,98,216
20
13
Alluvium, Gondwanas, Tertiaries,
Deccan Traps & Archaeans
Rajahmundry & Gondwana
Sandstones
0.82 12.95 m bgl
0.52 14.96 m bgl
10
11
12
14
GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY
CGWB (As on 31.03.2012)
No.of wells drilled
Depth range (m)
Discharge (litres per second)
Storativity (S)
Transmissivity (sq.m/day)
GROUND WATER QUALITY
Presence of chemical constituents more than
permissible limit
Type of water
DYNAMIC GROUND WATER
RESOURCES (2009)
Annual Replenishable Ground Water
availability (ha m)
Net annual ground water draft (ha m)
Projected demand for domestic and industrial
uses upto 2025 (ha m)
Stage of ground water development (%)
GROUND WATER CONTROL AND
REGULATION
Number of OE Blocks
Number of Critical Blocks
No. of blocks Notified
MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS
AND ISSUES
32 EW, 11 PZ
45-650.4
10-128
1.2x10-3 to 6.8x10-4
24-3540
EC&Nitrate in Alluvium
Ca- Mg, Cl-SO4; Na- K, ClSO4
1,52,617
49,424
7409
36
Nil
Nil
Nil
Water level depletionuplands
Water logging-Delta
Ground water salinity-Delta
GROUND WATER BROCHURE
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
1.0
INTRODUCTION
The West Godavari district with its headquarters at Eluru is one of
the nine coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh State. It is located between North
Latitudes 160 51 and 170 30 and East Longitudes 800 50 and 81055
covering parts of Survey of India toposheet Nos. 65 C, D, G & H. The total
geographical area of the district is 7,795 sq. km constituting 2.84% of the
total area of the state. The district population as per 2011 census is 3934782
persons and the density of the population is 508 persons per sq. km.
Agriculture is the main stay of population in the district.
1.1 Administrative Divisions: The district consists of 46 revenue
mandals (Fig.1) grouped under 3 revenue divisions. It has a total of 901
revenue villages and 8 municipalities.
1.2 Drainage: The district is mainly drained by Godavari,Yerrakalava,
Tammileru and Ramileru rivers. The river Godavari enters the district near the
northeastern corner and after flowing a distance of 72 km, the river bifurcates into
Gautami and Vasishta rivers at Vijeshwaram.The Gautami river which marks the
district boundary, debouches into Bay of Bengal at Antervedi, draining about 20%
of the district area. The other prominent rivers/streams in the district are
Yerrakalava, Tammileru, Ramileru, and Guvvaleru. Yerrakalava joins Godavari
river while Tammileru and Guvaleru join Kolleru lake.
The Kolleru Lake, the biggest fresh water lake in the country, is situated in the
southwestern part of the district. The drainage is mainly dendritic in the northern
part of the district and appears to be controlled by structure. Drainage density is
more in the northern part and is sparse in southern part. The delta area is served by
Godavari canal system and numerous other drains.
1.3 Land Use Pattern: In the district, 81,166 ha. (10.41%) is occupied by forest;
41127 ha. (5.27%) forms barren and uncultivable land; 112237 ha. (14.38%)
forms non-agricultural land; 13065 ha. (1.67%) forms permanent pastures and
grazing land; 7872 ha. (1.4%) is covered by miscellaneous tree crops and grooves;
and 15817 ha. (2.02 %) is fallow land. The net area sown in the district is 480122
ha. (61.55%), while the area sown more than once is 288241 (36.95 %).
1.4 Irrigation & Cropping Pattern: The district is having both surface and ground
water resource potential. The delta area is mainly served by surface irrigation,
whereas in the upland areas of the district the irrigation is chiefly by ground
water. The surface irrigation is through major, medium and minor irrigation
projects. Godavari western delta system has an ayacut area of 214560 ha and
under medium irrigation, Tammileru Reservoir Project, Vijayarai Anicut, Jalleru
Reservoir Project and Yerrakalava Reservoir Project have registered aycuts of
3712, 4340, 1700 and 13709 ha respectively.
The net area irrigated through canals is 178762 hectares. A net area of 174648
hectares is irrigated through ground water. The area irrigated through tanks is
only 18161 hectares. The principal crop grown in the district is paddy. The other
important crops grown in the district are sugarcane, cashewnut, mango, coconut
and tobacco.
1.5 Studies by CGWB: Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) carried out
various studies viz., systematic hydrogeological surveys, reappraisal
hydrogeological surveys, ground water exploration, geo-physical studies, Ground
water modelling and short term investigations. Ground water exploration was
initiated by the erstwhile ExploratoryTubewells Organization (ETO) in the year
1958 and in all 32 wells were constructed in different phases. Under Hydrology
Project 11 piezometer wells tapping individual aquifers were constructed. Under
ground water regime, 33 Ground Water Monitoring Stations (GWMS) are being
monitored in the district. Ground water modelling studies were conducted during
the year 1978-79 for Yerra Kalava basin by CGWB in collaboration with Cenre
for Exploration Geophysics (CGC) of Osmania University.
2. RAINFALL & CLIMATE
The district enjoys tropical humid type of climate with oppressive
summer season and good seasonal rainfall. The summer season extends from
March to May followed by southwest monsoon season, which lasts till
September. October and November constitute the post monsoon or retreating
monsoon season. December to February months experience cold weather
conditions.
2.1 Rainfall: The normal annual rainfall recorded at Nidadavolu IMD
observatory is 1078 mm, of which 738 mm is through south west monsoon
from June to September and 246 mm through northeast monsoon from
October to December constituting about 68% and 23% of total annual rainfall.
District average deficit rainfall years are 2001 (-21 %), 2002 ( -44%), 2004 (23 %), 2009 (-30%) against normal rainfall of 1075.4 mm whereas the
highest district average rainfall years are 2010, which is 1900.7 (77% excess).
The annual rainfall during 2012 is 1612mm.
The historical data of the I.M.D. station at Nidadavolu for the period
(1970-2011) showed that moderate drought conditions prevailed during the
years 1982, 1984, 1986, 1992,199, 1997, 2002,2004,2009 &2011 (total 10
years out of 42 years). During the period normal rainfall was received in 22
years and 8 years received excess rainfall and deficit rainfall in 12 years. The
statistical parameters computed for Nidadavolu station are:
Mean: 1038 mm.
Standard deviation: 275
Co-efficient variation: 24
Maximum: 1698 Minimum.: 463
Long term annual normal rainfall: 1078 m.m.
The monthly normals of hydrometerological parameters are given in Table.1
TABLE 1: MONTHLY NORMALS OF HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS , NIDADAVOLU
RAINY
DAYS
TEMPERATURE(oC)
RELATIVE
HUMIDITY(%)
POTENTIAL
EVAPOTRANSP
IRATION
(mm)
Minimum
Maximum
830hrs
1730hrs
WIND
SPEED
(km/hr)
0.3
18
30.1
79
55
6.5
106
11
0.5
19.4
32.2
76
49
5.7
116
MAR
0.4
22.2
34.1
77
52
5.4
150
APR
17
0.6
25
35.8
77
56
5.9
151
MAY
57
1.9
26.9
38.2
73
50
7.8
162
JUN
132
6.3
26.7
36.7
75
56
12.2
150
JUL
238
12.4
25.1
31.5
85
74
12.7
114
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
MEAN
211
157
179
57
10
1078
11
9.3
9
4.7
0.7
57.1
25
24.9
23.6
20.7
18.3
23.0
31.1
31.6
31.3
30.4
29.5
32.7
86
86
85
79
77
66.0
77
78
76
67
58
62.3
11
8
5.9
7.1
7
7.9
110
106
100
102
99
1466.0
MONTH
RAINFALL
(mm)
JAN
FEB
Source: IMD
2.2 Other hydrometeorological parameters: The mean daily maximum
temperature reaches 300C and mean minimum daily temperature is 180C. The air is
humid throughout the year, being more so in coastal region. February to early June is
the driest part of the year and relative humidity ranges from 50 to 55% in the
afternoon. The monthly mean relative humidity is 80% in forenoon and 62% in the
afternoon. Mean monthly wind speed ranges from 5.4 km/hr. in March to 12.7
K.m./hr. in July. The annual potential evapotranspiration is 1467 m.m. The monthly
potential evapotranspiration (PET) ranges from 99 m. m. in December to 162.3 m. m.
in May.
3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY & SOIL TYPES
3.1Geomorphology: Physiographically the district is divided into 2 natural regions.
viz., Alluvial plain and upland areas. The alluvial plain covers 30 % of the area in
southern part of the Eluru Kovuru railway line while uplands which include agency
area constitutes 70% of the total district area. The important landforms in the district
include Structural hills, Pediplain, Pediment inselberg complex, Coastal landforms
and Valley fills.
3.2 Soil Types: The different type of soils encountered in the district are red soils,
black cotton soils, deltaic alluvial soils and coastal sands The red soils are seen
mostly around Chintalapudi, Koyyalagudem, Nallajerla and southeast Polavaram
villages They are permeable and well drained to moderately well drained. The black
cotton soils are encountered in around Eluru, Nidamarru places in the district. Deltaic
alluvial soils are very deep and highly fertile.These are seen mostly in around
Polavaram, Kovvuru, Nidadavolu and Tanuku places.The coastal sands are seen
occurring as patches in the south west and southern most parts of the district.
4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO
4.1 Hydrogeology
4.1.1 Geology: The district is underlain by Archaean crystallines, Gondwanas,
Deccan Traps, Tertiaries and alluvial sediments. About 45% of the district is
underlain by Gondwana formations, 40% is underlain by Alluvium and the rest is by
Archaean crystalline rocks. The geological succession is given in Table-2.
Table-2 Geolological Succession
Age
Recent to
Sub-Recent
System
Unconformity
Rajahmundry
Mio-Pliocene
Upper
Cretaceous to
Lower Eocene
Lower
cretaceous to
Lower Triassic
Formation
Alluvium
Deccan Traps
Upper
Gondwana
system
Lower
Gondwana
Tirupathi
Raghavapuram
Gollapalii
Chintalapudi
Lithology
Gravel, Sand, silt and clay,
Laterite
Conglomerate ferruginous, gritty,
variegated,
sandstone and clays
Basalt, inter trappean beds and
intra trappean marl and shales
Gritty and ferruginous sandstone
and clays
Sandstone, shale and
Conglomerate
Sandstone and shales
Sandstone shale and clays
Unconformity
Archaean
Khondalites, Charnockites
Granites and Gneisses
4.1.2 Aquifer Systems: The deep exploration has revealed the occurrence of aerially
extensive multiple aquifer system. Chintalapudi, Gollapalli and Tirupati sandstones
of Gondwana Super Group and Rajahmundry sandstones of Tertiary age form
important aquifers. The Tertiary Rajahmundry formation has a minimum of 9 m
thickness at Decherla and a maximum of 442 m at Tanuku while the Gondwana has a
maximum thickness of 600 m at Achuthapuram. The thickness of coarse granular
zones tapped in wells ranges from 24 to 107 m in Chintalapudis, 12-71 in Gollapallis,
20-224 in Tirupatis, and 42-355 m in Rjahmundry outcropped areas. The principle
aquifer zones available vary from one to six. The percentage of granular zone
thickness ranges from 14 to 93 down to 300 m while the same varies from 25 to 77
beyond 300-600 m depth. The depth of encounterance of Gondwana ranges from 46
to 383 m bgl. The yield of wells ranges from 3,700 to 60,000 lpm for drawdowns of
19 to 25m. The average permeability is of the order of 10 m/day. The transmissivity
of aquifers ranges from 25 to 3540 sq.m/day. The storage coefficient is between
8.5x10 -5 and 1.3x10-2. The hydrogeological map of the district is shown in Fig.2
An attempt was made to bring out the disposition of aquifer zones of the
district by preparing a panel diagram (Fig.3) and sub surface cross section (Fig 4).
The northern part of the area is mainly covered by Chintalapudi sandstones and the
boreholes are not drilled beyond Chintalapudi sandstones. In the central part of the
district more than one geological formation is encountered while in the southern part,
the boreholes could not be drilled beyond alluvium because of its huge thickness.
The granites are encountered at shallow depths near Gopalapuram in northeastern
part of the area and at Jeelakarragudem and Pragadavaram in western part of the
district. From the panel diagram five faults could be inferred between (1)
Achutapuram and Gopalapuram (2) Bhimadolu and Kaikaram (3) Gopalapuram and
Chityala (4) Dharmajigudem and Kallacheruvu and (5) T Nyampalle and Denduluru.
Raghavapuram shales
Achyuthapuram.
are exposed
at the surface between
Dubacherla and
Fig.4 presents the section A-A running in the NE-SW direction covering the
boreholes at Pragadavaram, Mudicherla, Vempadu and Kesavaram. The section has
brought out four faults between (1) Mudicherla and Vempadu (2) Vempadu and
Tirumalapalem (3) Tirumalampalem and Pulla and (4) Pulla and Tallapuram. The
occurrence of Trap formation at different depths between Tallapuram and Pulla confirms
the presence the fault.
The formations at Pragadavarm and Mudicherla are mostly cleayey in nature.
However, two aquifers are identified at Mudicherla, which are relatively les thick as
compared to other boreholes. Two aquifers are delineated at Vempadu the top one lies
in Gollapalli formation and the bottom likes in Chintalapudi formation. Similarly at
Tirumalampalem, three aquifers viz. two in Tirupati and one in Chintalapudi formation
are identified. At Pulla, six aquifers are deciphered viz. one aquifer in the alluvium,
three aquifers in Rajahmundries and two aquifers deciphered viz. one aquifer in the
alluvium, three aquifers in Rahahmundries and two aquifers in Tirupatis. The
boreholes drilled at Kesavaram indicated three aquifers i.e., one in alluvium and the other
two in Rjahmundries.
The exploratory drilling has brought out the presence of Traps at different depths
with varying thickness. The Deccan Trap acts as a confining layer to the underlying
Gondwana aquifers and presents a conspicuous marker horizon. The top of Deccan trap
occurs at 1.3 m bgl at Prakasaraopalem. It occurs at a depth of 460 m at Rachuru, where
drilling was stopped. The number of flows varies from one to six. The top most flow
is seen at Eluru. The total thickness of trap is of the order of 3.5 m to 82 m.
4.1.3 Occurrence & Yield Pattern: Ground water occurs under unconfined, semi to
confined conditions in different formations of the area. In the crystalline formation the
yield of the open wells range from 20 50 m3/day and the discharge of bore wells vary
from 17.28 to 648 m3/day. The Chintalapudi formations are relatively hard on surface and
forms good aquifers with granular zone thickness varying from 24 107m and the yield
of wells ranges between 604.8 and 2419.2 m3/day and the transmissivity values are in the
order of 50 to 1338 m2/day. In Gollapalli sandstone, the thickness of granular zones
varies from 12.0 and 71.0 m and the depth of the wells range between 75 and 120m with
discharges of 691.2 to 1382.4 m3/day. Raghavapuram shales have a maximum thickness
of 10m and are poor aquifers. In Tirupati sandstone formation, the depth of the wells
range between 99 and 250m with yields varying from 345.6 to 1555.2 m3/day and the
thickness of granular zone is in the order of 20 93m. The depth of the wells in
Rajahmundry sandstones range between 32 and 611m and the discharge varied from 1296
to 3024 m3/day with thickness of granular zone in the order of 18 to 175m (Table-3).
Ground Water development is limited in alluvium and in general the deeper zones are
brackish to saline in nature.
Table-3: Formation-wise Yield Pattern
Sl
No
Formation
Chintalapudi
formation
Gollapalli
formation
Tirupati
formation
2
3
Rajahmundry
Formation
General
Thickness Discharge range
depth range (m)
(lps)
of wells (m)
60-120
24-107
7-28
Transmissivity
(m2/day)
50-1465
75-120
12-71
8-16
247-1055
99-250
20-224
76-846
32-611
18-175
4-18
(occasionally upto
45)
13-35 (occasionally
upto 128)
4.1.4 Water Level Behaviour: The pre-monsoon depth to water level (May 2012) ranges
from 0.79 to 14.49 m bgl in alluvial formation and 0.82 to 42.64 m bgl in sedimentaries
and during post monsoon (Nov-2012) season it varies from 0.43-13.67 m bgl. in alluvium
and 0.52 to 44.47 m. in sedimentary formation (Table-4). Fig -5 depicts depth to water
level for pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons (2012) for unconfined and semiconfined
aquifers. During the post monsoon season most of the area in alluvium is water logged.
The water table gradient is steep in northern part and is very gentle in southern part and
the direction of ground water flow is towards southeast. The total decline in the
piezometric levels during the last two decades is high and it varies upto 2.08 m/annum in
sedimentaries. During the last two decades there is decline in the rate of growth of dug
wells and increase in the rate of growth of tube wells in uplands resulting in decline in
piezometric heads considerably. Hydrographs of select ground water monitoring wells are
shown in Fig.6.
Table-4 Depth to Water Level Ranges in different formations
Aquifer
Formation (Data
Pre-monsoon Post-monsoon Fluctuation
points)
(m bgl)
(m bgl)
(m)
Unconfined
Alluvium (17 )
1.02 to 12.95 <1 to 4.94
0.43 to10.30
Sandstones ( 9 )
0.82 to 9.18
0.52 to 9.47
-0.30 to 4.37
Crystallines ( 10 )
4.13 to 8.70
2.61 to 14.96
-1.00 to 1.52
SemiAlluvium (3 )
2.57 to 14.49 2.81 to 13.67
-0.24 to 0.82
confined
Sandstones ( 10 )
3.70 to 42.64 6.92 to 44.47
-9.68 to 4.33
(17) : No.of wells analysed
Source: CGWB & GWD Monitoring well data
Fig-5 Depth to Water Level Pre-Monsoon (May 2012) Post-Monsoon Seasons (2012)
4.2 Ground Water Resources
As per the 2008-09 ground water resource estimation, the total net ground water
availability in the district is of the order of -138590 ha.m and the existing ground water
draft for all uses is 49424 ha.m leaving a ground water balance of 84104 ha m ha.m for
future irrigation development. The present stage of ground water development in the
district is 61% in non-command and 12-% in command area with overall stage of ground
water development of 36%. All the mandals are falling in safe category, contrary to 10
over exploited, 4 critical mandals during 2004-05. The stage of development is generally
high in area occupied by sedimentaries, while it is low in canal command areas,
suggesting the need for judicious exploitation of ground water resources in future.
Mandal-wise ground water resources are shown in Appendix-I.
4.3 Hydrochemistry
The chemical quality of ground water in crystallines and sedimentaries is good for
domestic and irrigation purposes. However, in alluvium the quality varies widely from
good to brackish and saline.
4.3.1 Shallow aquifers: A perusal of chemical analysis of 18 ground water monitoring
stations indicates that, in general the chemical quality of shallow phreatic aquifer in
crystalline and sedimentary formations, is within the standard limits of drinking water
specifications.
Fig-6. Hydrographs of Select Wells in West Godavari District
However, in the places like Jangareddygudem and Polavaram the nitrate is high, due
to local pollution. In alluvium in 22% of samples nitrate pollution is observed, and also
the water is brackish and contains the concentrations of various constituents in excessive
limits.
The suitability of water for irrigation purpose is assessed as per US Salinity Diagram.
It is observed that in all, 11% of samples fall in C2 S1 category; 67% in C3 S1 category;
4% in C2 S2 category; and 11% in C4 S1 category. However, 2 samples fall beyond the
range indicating that they are not fit for irrigation. In sedimentary formation the SAR is
low and salinity hazard is high in 84% samples. Similarly in alluvium, salinity hazard is
very high (C4S1) in 27% of samples indicating the unsuitability of water for irrigation
under ordinary condtions and water is unfit for irrigation in 18% of samples, while 45% of
samples water falls in C3S1 category. The water in crystalline formation is suitable for
irrigation with 75% of samples falling in C3S1 category and rest in C2S1 category.
4.3.2
Quality of water from deeper aquifers:
In general, the ground water is suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes in
crystallines, sedimentaries while that occurring in alluvium the water is not suitable
purpose and irrigation purpose under ordinary conditions.
5.0 GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Ground water is the main source of irrigation in crystallines and there is much
scope for ground water development. However, the available resources in these rocks is
site specific. Hence, in order to avoid wasteful expenditure on drilling and encountering
dry wells in hard rok areas, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive surveys before
drilling of bore wells. Generally dug wells are suitable in crystalline rocks in valley
portions. Bore wells are feasible wherever these rocks are deeply weathered and
fractured. Run off is also high in these areas. Therefore, it is suggested to construct
rainwater-harvesting structures upstream of irrigated areas to augment ground water
resources.
In sedimentary tract, the phreatic aquifers are mostly dry with the over
development of ground water, where it is developed by means of tube wells or dug-cumbore wells. The sedimentaries comprise multi-aquifer systems where the number of
aquifers varies from one to six. The aquifers are made up of fine to coarse-grained
sandstones with the thickness of more than 600m, with discharges varying from 4.0 to 45
lps. However, the wells have to be properly constructed following well design norms. It
is always necessary that wells are to be spaced as per norms to avoid lowering of
piezometric surface and increase in pumping lift. It is known that most of the ground
water development has taken place in private sector and wells are constructed in improper
way and well assembly is lowered without studying the granular zones and seldom gravel
packing is done. Generally casing is provided down to depth range of 35 60 m. beyond
which slotted casing is provided and the slot size is commonly 2 m. m. and the tube wells
are packed with gravel only in selected cases. Based on the available data NABARD has
suggested 90 to 150 m. depth for tube wells constructed in sedimentary area with 200 to
150 mm assembly and with 40 to 60 metres of housing and provided with 10 to 15 H.P.
There is a need to encourage small and marginal farmers to go for drip irrigation by
providing necessary incentives and guidance and to adopt suitable cropping pattern and
agricultural practices for proper management of ground water resources.
In alluvium, it is highly necessary that fresh water repositories (paleo channels)
are to be protected from over pumping. Possibility of optimum utilization of surface and
ground water may be considered locally after micro level surveys considering the quality
constraint, to contain water logging. The wells are to be pumped at optimium pumping
rate following spacing norms to avoid undesirable effect of saline water intrusion.
Environmental protection measures are to be followed in aqua culture practices.
6.0 GROUND WATER RELATED ISSUES & PROBLEMS
The ground water issues in the district include water table depletion, ground water
salinity, water logging, corrosion, aqua culture.
Due to increased ground water development over the past three
decades in upland areas of the district, there is depletion of water table and piezometric
levels. In alluvial area however there are no significant changes. The water table
depletion in general is reported to exist in all the upland mandals underlain by
sedimentaries. At places in the area the water levels have declined down to as deep as 40
m bgl. The maximum fall was recorded at G.Kothapalli (2.08 m/annum) followed by
Koyyalagudem (1.86 m/annum).The depletion of piezometric heads is also reflected by
the fact that free flow of wells has virtually stopped in many wells (Bhimadolu-Kaikaram
areas) due to excessive ground water draft in the area.
Water table depleted areas:
During the post monsoon season, most of the canal command area is under
water logged condition. However, during the pre-monsoon, part of the area has water
levels between 2.0 and 5.0 m bgl. Therefore, it is evident that command area is either
water logged or prone to water logging and the area also is seasonally water logged. The
excessive irrigation, flat topography, high rainfall poor drainage and soils are the factors
that are responsible for the water logging in the district.
Water logging:
Ground Water Salinity: It
is observed from ground water exploration studies that the deeper
aquifers are brackish. Based on the available data it is observed that an area of 3100 sq.
kms. is affected due to salinity and also as per the U.S. salinity Laboratory classification,
water is unsuitable for irrigation where an area of 2650 sq. kms. is having E.C. more than
2250 /siemens/c.m. There are 15 mandals affected by salinity, of these some mandals
like Mogalturu, Narsapur, Kalla, Bhimavaram and Elamanchali are susceptible to tidal
influence. There are some mandals like Bhimadole, Denduluru, Eluru and Peddapadu
which are located away from the coast and tidal influence. Considering that the delta is of
prograding nature and subjected to transgressions and regressions in the past, it could be
summarised that the poor quality water is mainly due to depositional environment of the
formation though, water logging, intensive irrigation, tidal influence, aqua culture
practices also contribute to some extent.
Special ground water problems:
The problem of corrosion exists in some parts of upland areas of the district
underlain by sedimentaries. It is reported to occur in the district into two zones. i)
Bhimadole-Pulla area: villages falling in this zone are Bhimadole, Suruppagudem,
M.Nagulapalli, Surbhapuram, Buttaigudem, A.Gokavaram, Amberpeta and Nallamadu.
Corrosion is also reported to occur to some extent in Jaganathapuram and Madhavaram
villages in Tadepalligudem mandal in east central parts of the district where similar
hydrogeological environment exist. ii).Dwaraka Tirumala Koyyalagudem area: Villages
falling in this zone are Yadavolu (Devarapalli mandal) Jaganathapuram and
Chinnaigudem (Gopalapuram mandal) Kanakadripuram, Kannaigudem, Yerranapeta,
Ponguturu and Gavaravaram (Koyyalagudem mandal), Pothavaram (Nallajerla mandal),
I.S.Jaganathapuram, Timmapuram and Kommera (Dwaraka Thirumala mandal).
Considering this, farmers shifted to PVC pipes to avoid corrosion.
Corrosion:
Aquaculture: In coastal areas of the district during the last decade there has been enormous
growth of aqua culture farming. In this district about 11,740 units with water spread area
of 6,72.278 hectares under prawn culture exists in the 5 coastal mandals viz., Narsapuram,
Mogalturu, Bhimavaram, kalla and Akiveedu. Though aquaculture is prevalent in the
coastal area of the district, no systematic study has been taken up on the impact of
aquaculture on ground water.
7.0
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The balance ground water resource needs to be developed with abundant
caution following spacing norms, well design, optimum pumping rates and
recommended cropping pattern. During the last three decades there is
considerale decline in piezometric levels of confined aquifes. In this context,
it is recommended to keep the distributary canals unlined under the
proposed Polavaram Project in sedimentary area which help in building
of water levels. Farmers may be advised not to grow sugarcane crop in
water stress areas.
2. Fresh water repositories (paleo channels, sand ridges) in delta are to be protected
from over pumping.
3. In the deltaic regions the irrigation is chiefly dependent on canal water supply.
The water levels are shallow and water logging problem exists and ground water
resources lie untapped. Therefore the prospects of taking up of conjunctive use of
both surface and ground water need to be taken up after micro level surveys to
understand disposition of aquifer geometry, quality variation in depth and
optimum pumping rates so as not to disturb fresh water salt water interface.
4. Studies on aqua culture need to be taken up to analyse the quality changes as well
as impact on ground water and pollution. Piezometers need to be constructed in
coastal tract to montor quality on continous basis.
5. Ground water development in tribal pockets of the district is very less and there is
further scope for further ground water development to create more irrigation
potential. However, the occurrence of ground water is site specific. Wells have to
be drilled in favourable places like lineament zones, valley fill and pediplain areas.
Acknowledgements: The author thanks Sri G.Sudarshan, Head of Office, CGWB,
SR for his suggestions in preparation of this brochure. He thanks
Dr.V.S.R.Krishna, A.Hg for his help in preparation of depth to water level maps.
Thanks are due to Sri P.Sudhakar, Sc-C (HM) for his inputs for preparation of
rainfall chapter. The data received from Ground Water Department, Irrigation
Department and other State Agencies is sincerely acknowledged.
References:
1. Rao. P.N. (2008) Ground Water Brochure, West Godavari district, Andhra
Pradesh, CGWB Unpublished report.
2. Records of Govt.of Andhra Pradesh
Appendix-I
Mandal Wise Dynamic Groundwater Resources of the West Goadavari District,
Andhra Pradesh [2008-2009] [In Ha.m.]
Sl.
No.
Mandal
Command/Noncommand
Net annual
ground
water
availability
Chintalapudi
Lingapalem
T. Narasapuram
Jeelugumilli
Buttayagudem
Polavaram
Tallapudi
Gopalapuram
Koyyalagudem
Existing
gross
ground
water
draft for
all uses
Provision
for
domestic
and
industrial
requirement
supply to
2025
Net ground
water
availability
for future
irrigation
development
Stage of
ground
water
development
Category(Safe/Se
micritical/Critical/O
ver-exploited)
Com
139
74
26
65
53
Safe
N.C.
5569
3748
226
1638
67
Safe
P.Q.
5708
3822
252
1703
67
Safe
Com
963
291
667
30
Safe
N.C.
2692
2302
92
325
86
Safe
P.Q.
3655
2593
100
992
71
Com
N.C.
5692
3658
283
1762
64
P.Q.
5692
3658
283
1762
64
Safe
Com
Safe
N.C.
2300
1321
132
873
57
P.Q.
2300
1321
132
873
57
Com
N.C.
6705
1593
521
4598
24
P.Q.
6705
1593
521
4598
24
Safe
Com
138
138
Safe
N.C.
1930
813
194
929
42
Safe
P.Q.
2068
813
194
1067
39
Safe
Com
409
409
Safe
N.C.
1321
749
141
572
57
Safe
P.Q.
1730
749
141
981
43
Safe
Com
844
195
27
622
23
Safe
N.C.
2707
1744
83
963
64
Safe
P.Q.
3551
1939
110
1585
55
Com
N.C.
2863
2177
96
686
76
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Safe
Safe
Safe
Safe
Safe
Safe
P.Q.
2863
2177
96
686
76
Com
N.C.
4512
2626
52
1886
58
P.Q.
4512
2626
52
1886
58
Safe
Com
43
18
25
42
Safe
N.C.
2844
1979
108
765
70
Safe
P.Q.
2887
1997
117
790
69
Safe
Com
832
220
30
612
26
Safe
N.C.
4121
2710
136
1318
66
Safe
P.Q.
4953
2930
166
1930
59
Safe
Com
709
11
698
Safe
N.C.
3118
2167
134
929
69
Safe
P.Q.
3827
2167
145
1627
57
Safe
Com
208
114
89
55
Safe
N.C.
3455
2341
302
818
68
Safe
P.Q.
3663
2455
307
907
67
Safe
Com
629
104
42
525
17
Safe
N.C.
3023
1531
172
1492
51
Safe
P.Q.
3652
1635
214
2017
45
Safe
Com
133
85
14
48
64
Safe
N.C.
2716
1588
122
1062
58
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
2849
1673
136
1110
59
Safe
Com
1775
75
46
1683
Safe
N.C.
769
354
71
415
46
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
2544
429
117
2098
17
Safe
Com
1606
634
35
945
39
Safe
N.C.
2451
661
168
1754
27
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
4057
1295
203
2699
32
Safe
Com
2332
37
41
2258
Safe
N.C.
2100
1368
83
678
65
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
4432
1405
124
2936
32
Safe
Com
2226
36
41
2162
Safe
N.C.
1603
1367
96
147
85
Safe
Total (Ex.PQ)
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Jangareddigudem
Kamavarapukota
Dwarakatirumala
Nallajerla
Devarapalli
Kovvuru
Chagallu
Nidadavole
Tadepalligudem
Unguturu
Bhimadole
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Total (Ex.PQ)
Safe
Safe
P.Q.
3829
1403
137
2309
37
Safe
Com
542
99
35
443
18
Safe
N.C.
3497
2792
138
581
80
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
4039
2891
173
1024
72
Safe
Com
2869
71
81
2718
Safe
N.C.
572
464
31
81
81
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
3441
535
112
2799
16
Safe
Com
3033
149
68
2816
Safe
N.C.
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
3033
149
68
2816
Safe
Com
1427
541
94
838
38
Safe
N.C.
1244
1121
74
88
90
Safe
P.Q.
Total (Ex.PQ)
21
22
23
Pedavegi
Pedapadu
Eluru
24
Denduluru
Total (Ex.PQ)
2671
1662
168
926
62
Safe
25
Nidamarru
Com /PQ.
6288
6288
Poor quality
26
Ganapavaram
Com /PQ.
7490
7490
Poor quality
27
Pentapadu
Com /PQ.
10524
158
79
10366
Poor quality
28
Tanuku
Com.
6074
354
538
5359
Safe
29
Undrajavaram
Com.
6846
1450
725
5396
21
Safe
30
Peravali
Com.
5281
912
327
4042
17
Safe
31
Iragavaram
Com.
4892
549
313
4030
11
Safe
32
Attili
Com.
6518
60
322
6136
Safe
33
Undi
Com /PQ.
12036
12036
Poor quality
34
Akiveedu
Com /PQ.
14824
14824
Poor quality
35
Kalla
Com /PQ.
8131
8131
Poor quality
36
Bhimavaram
Com /PQ.
8801
8801
Poor quality
37
Palakoderu
Com /PQ.
6971
6971
Poor quality
38
Veeravasaram
Com /PQ.
21139
21139
Poor quality
39
Penumantra
Com.
7084
480
293
6311
Safe
40
Penugonda
Com.
6712
524
524
5664
Safe
41
Achanta
Com.
6522
1178
299
5045
18
Safe
42
Poduru
Com /PQ.
8103
428
214
7675
Poor quality
43
Palakollu
Com /PQ.
7212
480
16
6732
Poor quality
44
Yelamanchili
Com /PQ.
8131
752
7379
Poor quality
45
Narasapuram
Com /PQ.
9902
9902
Poor quality
46
Mogalturu
Com /PQ.
4694
4694
Poor quality
Com.
70786
8250
3954
59744
12
Safe
N.C.
67804
41174
3455
24360
61
Safe
P.Q.
134246
1818
309
132428
Total (Ex.P.Q)
138590
49424
7409
84104
36
District Total
Com-Command; N.C-Non-Command; PQ Poor Quality
Safe
