HYDROGEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER IN AHILYANAGAR DISTRICT USING CGWB REPORTS

Groundwater is the primary source of domestic and irrigation supply in the semi-arid, basalt-dominated landscape of Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) district, Maharashtra. Increasing abstraction, expansion of borewells, and irregular monsoon patterns have intensified groundwater stress across several administrative blocks. This study provides a hydrogeological assessment of the district using secondary data from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), including long-term water level records, aquifer characteristics, and recharge–discharge estimates. The analysis indicates persistent decline in both pre- and post-monsoon groundwater levels, particularly in over-exploited and critical blocks where extraction exceeds annual recharge. Variations in aquifer properties, controlled by the weathered and fractured Deccan basalt, further influence storage potential and recharge efficiency. The findings highlight the growing imbalance between groundwater demand and availability, underscoring the need for aquifer-based management, demand-side regulation, and enhanced recharge interventions. This study demonstrates the utility of CGWB datasets for assessing groundwater sustainability in semi-arid hard-rock regions.