GIS-based change detection and assessment of groundwater quality in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Groundwater is an essential and vital component of all life support systems. It is not only a basic need of human existence, but an essential contribution to all development activities. Groundwater quality in the Agra region is of particular importance and requires a lot of attention from all stakeholders. Because it is a major alternative resource for household, industrial, drinking and irrigation. The development of GIS based maps and change detection will help in evaluation of the risk at groundwater quality of Agra district, all the 14 blocks are considered for the evaluation with parameters pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Magnesium, Chloride & Calcium with which spatial maps are prepared from ArcGIS 10.8.2 software (2021). The further assessment was carried out with change detection for the years 2010 to 2024; with year 2010 as the base year the change detection maps are prepared with the help of ArcGIS Pro software (2023) the data for the same has been taken from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) and Groundwater Yearbook, Uttar Pradesh. It was found that the highest change values were in years 2014-2018, 2016-2018, 2013-2018, 2013-2014 & 2018-2023; for EC, Ca, Mg & Cl respectively in blocks like Akola, Jagner, Kheragarh and Achhnera. Differences in change values can be seen using plot graphs and maps. The limit standards prescribed for the parameters follow the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): IS 10500-2012 and World Health Organization (WHO) IS: 2011.