ABSTRACT
This contribution examines the efficiency of artificial recharge techniques in hard rock areas of India. Artificial recharge is a process of induced replenishment of the groundwater reservoir by human activities. The process of supplementing may be either planned such as storing water in pits, tanks, etc., for feeding the aquifer or unplanned and incidental to human activities, like applied irrigation, leakage from pipe lines, etc. Artificial recharge techniques are normally intended to address the following issues:
To enhance the sustainable yield in areas where over-development has desaturated the aquifers.
Conservation and storage of excess surface water for future requirements, since these requirements often change within a season or climate.
To improve the quality of existing groundwater through dilution.
To prevent saline water intrusion, especially in coastal areas.
To remove bacteriological and other impurities from sewage and wastewater so that the water is suitable for re-use.
Prevention of land subsidence through an increase in the hydrostatic pressure in artesian aquifers.
