Analytical Hierarchy Process Based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Groundwater Potential Zones Identification - A Case Study of Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Groundwater is a vital natural resource for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, especially in coastal regions like Kakinada District, where surface water availability is limited. The increasing demand and over-extraction of groundwater have led to depletion and quality deterioration. Hence, it is essential to identify and delineate potential groundwater zones to ensure sustainable water management. In this study, a multi-criteria decision-making approach integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geospatial techniques was employed to delineate groundwater potential zones. Various thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, soil, land use/land cover (LULC), slope, drainage density, rainfall, and lineament density were prepared using remote sensing data and processed in ArcGIS. Each parameter was assigned weights and ranks based on its influence on groundwater occurrence through the AHP method. The weighted overlay analysis was performed in ArcGIS to integrate all thematic maps and generate a groundwater potential zone map. The final map classified the area into five zones - very high, high, moderate, low, and very low potential - indicating spatial variations in groundwater availability across the district. Results reveal that regions with alluvial deposits, gentle slopes, high rainfall, and moderate drainage density exhibit high groundwater potential, while areas with hard rock formations and steep slopes show lower potential. The delineated zones provide valuable insights for groundwater resource planning, recharge site identification, and sustainable utilization in Kakinada District. This integrated AHP and GIS-based approach demonstrates an efficient, accurate, and data-driven method for groundwater potential mapping, which can be replicated in other regions facing similar hydrological and environmental challenges.

Introduction

Groundwater is a critical resource for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use, especially in areas with limited surface water. The Kakinada District in Andhra Pradesh, India, faces significant variability in rainfall, geology, and land use, leading to increased stress on groundwater resources due to population growth and agricultural expansion. To support sustainable water management, it is essential to identify zones with high groundwater potential.

This study integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) in Kakinada. GIS enables the management and analysis of thematic layers such as slope, soil, drainage density, geomorphology, geology, land use, rainfall, and lineament density, while AHP assigns relative weights to these factors based on their influence on groundwater occurrence. Weighted overlay analysis in ArcGIS produces a GWPZ map that can guide water resource planning, recharge strategies, and policy formulation.

Study Area:
Kakinada, a coastal city at 16.57°N and 81.15°E, covers 31.69 sq. km with a tropical savanna climate and annual rainfall of 110–115 cm. The region is affected by saline water intrusion and limited infiltration due to its flat coastal terrain. Rapid urbanization and industrialization increase water demand, making it a suitable area for groundwater potential assessment.

Methodology:
The study uses multi-source datasets (satellite imagery, geological/soil maps, DEM, rainfall, land use) to generate thematic layers in ArcGIS. AHP is applied to assign weights to factors through pairwise comparisons, normalized eigenvalues, and consistency checks (Consistency Ratio ≤ 0.1). These weights are then used in a weighted overlay analysis to produce a spatially precise groundwater potential index.

The methodology provides a scientifically robust framework for identifying high-potential groundwater zones, supporting long-term water security and sustainable resource management in Kakinada.

Conclusion

1) The comparison of the two groundwater potential zone maps highlights the influence of methodological approaches on the delineation of favourable zones. 2) The weighted sum map generated using Level II parameters shows extensive areas under high and very high potential, particularly in the southern and central parts of the study area. 3) In contrast, the weighted overlay map based on Level III parameters indicates more conservative results, with large regions falling under poor and very poor categories. 4) Both maps consistently identify the southern zone as favourable for groundwater occurrence, reflecting the control of geology, lineaments, and slope. The differences between the two outputs demonstrate the sensitivity of groundwater potential mapping to parameter selection, ranking, and weighting. 5) The weighted sum approach provides a broader overview useful for general exploration. The weighted overlay approach offers a stricter and more detailed assessment suitable for resource management. 6) Together, these maps complement each other in understanding groundwater distribution. They provide valuable guidance for planning recharge structures and sustainable utilization. 7) Overall, the integrated evaluation enhances the reliability of groundwater potential zoning in the study area. 8) The two-groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) maps were designed using a weighted amount and weighted overlay model for the Kakinada district. 9) Both models integrate several thematic layers through analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and GIS techniques. 10) The weighted sum model shows the dominance of the poor in most poor groundwater potential areas in most parts of the district. 11) The high and very highly possible areas are minimal in the weighted sum map, indicating restricted recharge capacity. 12) On the other hand, the weighted overlay models highlight the wide high and very highly potential areas, especially in the middle, southern and south -western parts. 13) The poor and very poor areas in the weighted overlay map are mainly limited to the northern region. 14) The difference is generated from the modeling point of view: weighted sum uses continuous weight, while weighted overlays apply generalized and regenerated weight. 15) The overlay model more effectively emphasizes favorable conditions, resulting in more optimistic distribution. 16) Both models provide valuable insight, showing a conservative estimate and increased groundwater possibilities with a weighted amount. 17) These results support targeted groundwater recharge and permanent resource management plan in low-affected areas.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Bonela Kiranmouli, M. L. Narasimham. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.