Groundwater Recharge Structures in Villages of Kankavati Aquifer Region, Kachchh

The project was designed for the Kankavati Sandstone Aquifer, a coastal aquifer covering the coastal region of the Kachchh district. The aquifer was under stress due to excessive groundwater extraction and seawater salinity ingress. The proposed interventions aimed to augment groundwater resources that were extensively used for drinking water supply and livelihood activities.

Proposed Activities :

The proposed activities under the project were designed to recharge both shallow and deep aquifers:

• Recharge Pit for Shallow Aquifer Recharge:
  A recharge pit was used as a technique for shallow aquifer recharge. It consisted of a pit filled with rubble and boulders. The pit was excavated at a shallow depth and filled with suitable filter media. Rainwater runoff was directed into the recharge pit, allowing water to percolate downward and enhance groundwater recharge.

• Artificial Recharge Tubewell for Deep Aquifer Recharge:
  Artificial recharge tubewells were designed for deep aquifer recharge. Deep aquifers had remained under stress due to over-exploitation, as natural recharge during the monsoon was insufficient to replenish groundwater extraction. The artificial recharge tubewell system improved the efficiency of groundwater recharge structures through the construction of recharge borewells within surface water bodies. The stored water was directly injected into deeper aquifer layers, thereby minimizing water loss through soil moisture absorption and evaporation.

The  project period - February 2026 to 15th March 2026.