Assessment of Groundwater Recharge Interventions for Sustainable Urban Water Management: A Case Study of Ranchi, Jharkhand

• Vineeta Mishra

  Author

• Dr Abhilash T. Nair

  Author

Rapid urbanization and increasing water demand have intensified groundwater stress in many Indian cities, particularly those located in hard rock terrains where aquifer storage and recharge are inherently limited. Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, exemplifies this challenge due to its rapid urban growth, increasing dependence on groundwater, and disruption of natural recharge processes. In response, various groundwater recharge interventions—such as rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, recharge pits, ponds, and small check dams—have been implemented across the city. However, their effectiveness in enhancing groundwater availability under urban conditions remains inadequately evaluated.

This study assesses the performance of existing groundwater recharge interventions in Ranchi within the context of sustainable urban water management. Long-term pre- and post-monsoon groundwater level data were analyzed to identify seasonal and temporal trends, and rainfall variability was examined to understand recharge responsiveness. Recharge interventions were inventoried, classified, and evaluated based on their spatial distribution, hydrogeological suitability, and observed groundwater level response. The analysis was supported by statistical indicators, comparative assessment of areas with and without recharge structures, and synthesis of urbanization impacts.

Results indicate that groundwater levels in Ranchi exhibit persistent long-term decline despite seasonal post-monsoon recovery, reflecting a negative groundwater balance driven by increasing abstraction and limited effective recharge. Recharge interventions contribute positively to groundwater replenishment at localized scales, with improved post-monsoon recovery observed in areas hosting functional structures. However, their overall city-scale impact remains modest due to fragmented implementation, variable hydrogeological suitability, rainfall variability, and continued over-extraction. The findings highlight that recharge interventions, while necessary, are insufficient as standalone measures for achieving sustainable urban groundwater management.

The study underscores the need for hydrogeologically informed site selection, spatial prioritization of recharge measures, and integration of recharge planning with urban development and groundwater governance frameworks. The insights derived from Ranchi provide practical and transferable lessons for other rapidly urbanizing cities situated in hard rock regions across India.

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