Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Ground Water Level of Lahore Metropolitan and its Relationship with Urbanization and Rainfall

Muhammad Uzair Mahmood; Sawaid Abbas; Muhammad Usman; Jahanzeb Qureshi; Amer Masood

Authors

Muhammad Uzair Mahmood Smart Sensing for Climate and Development, Center for Geographical Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Sawaid Abbas Smart Sensing for Climate and Development, Center for Geographical Information
Muhammad Usman Interdisciplinary Research Center for Aviation and Space Exploration, King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Jahanzeb Qureshi Department of Space Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Amer Masood Department of Space Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

Lahore, Population, Rainfall, Ground water, Google Earth Engine (GEE), R Studio, Krigging, Land use/ Land cover, Urbanization

Abstract

Introduction/Importance of Study:

Lahore is the capital city of Punjab Province, with the population of 14.1 million people. To fulfil the water needs of its residents, Lahore is totally dependent on groundwater. Unwise water usage has led to a significant decline in groundwater levels.

Novelty Statement:

The aim of this study to analyze the root causes of groundwater depletion in Lahore and propose protective measures. Excessive extraction from 600 tube wells, some reaching depths of 600 to 1000 feet. The consequences of this over-extraction include non-functional tube wells and severe water shortages complains.

Material and Method:

By the utilization of various tools and techniques, including Google Earth Engine, image classification methods, and R Studio (ordinary Kriging) were used. The spatial relationship between land use/land cover and groundwater levels assessed through overlay analysis. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between urbanization, population growth, and groundwater depletion in Lahore.

Results and Discussion:

The rate of groundwater depletion has increased from an average of 2.133 ft/year (0.65 m/ year) during 1980-2000 to over 3 ft/year (over 1 m/ year) after 2013. Factors contributing to this decline include rapid urbanization, increased water demand due to population growth, and inadequate rainwater recharge. This rapid depletion poses a serious threat to Lahore's groundwater resources, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.

Concluding Remarks:

This rapid depletion is a serious threat to Lahore's groundwater and needs the immediate implementation of sustainable water management and ground water recharge. Effective measures are crucial to mitigate the impact of rapid urbanization and population growth on groundwater resources, ensuring a reliable water supply for the future.

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