Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Table Fluctuations in the Barind Area: A GIS-Based Analysis
Md. Zakir Hossain Khan *
Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology, Natore-6431, Bangladesh.
Farjana Islam
Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology, Natore-6431, Bangladesh.
Saniul Islam
Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology, Natore-6431, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The research on groundwater in the Barind region of Northwestern Bangladesh, spanning five Upazilas, highlights significant groundwater depletion from February to May from ten years data from 2013 to 2022, with recharge occurring between August and October. The most significant depletion occurs between February and May, while water levels tend to rise from August to October. The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, intensify these challenges by hindering groundwater replenishment and increasing dependency on groundwater sources. The study underscores the importance of adopting sustainable management strategies, such as water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and continuous monitoring. To tackle these issues and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources, effective adaptation measures are crucial. To ensure sustainable groundwater management, the study recommends enhancing rainwater harvesting, utilizing surface water for irrigation, preventing aquifer overexploitation, storing monsoon water, fostering collaborative water management, involving local communities, providing planners with detailed data, and adopting mitigation strategies.
Keywords: Barind area, GIS, depth of groundwater, groundwater table, groundwater fluctuation, climate change