Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zone mapping approach for semi-arid environments using GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Multiple Influence Factors (MIF) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques in Buchakewadi Watershed, Maharashtra, India

Groundwater is an essential factor in the aquifer recharging and management for the drinking, irrigation, and economy. Currently unpredictable rainfall due to climate change and pollution on the earth's surface, these problems directly affect the demand for groundwater in the more affected area of the globe. In this study, we have selected two methods such as Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Multiple Influence Factors (MIF), which would be applied for the groundwater potential zone maps. We have been prepared the nine thematic layers such as LULC, geomorphology, soil, drainage density, slope, lineament density, elevation, groundwater level, and geology maps using remote sensing and GIS techniques. These layers are integrated in the Arc GIS software with the help of AHP and MIF methods. We were identified into four classes, i.e., Poor, Moderate, Good, and Very Good based on AHP and MF methods. The groundwater potentials zones area is 241.50 (ha.). Poor, 285.64 (ha.) moderate, 408.31 (ha.) good, and 92.75 (ha.) very good using AHP method. However, the other groundwater potential zones area is shown as 351.29 (ha.) poor, 511.18 (ha.), moderate, 123.95 (ha.) good, and 41.78 (ha.) very good using MIF method. Both the groundwater potential zone maps have been validated with the water yield data using Arc GIS software 10.8. The ROC and AUC models' results are found to be 0.80 (good) and 0.93 (excellent) using MIF and AHP methods, respectively. The main purpose of this study is to identify the best method for demarcated the groundwater potential zone map, which method is better for preparation of watershed planning, and groundwater development policy, specific in basaltic rock and drought condition. The present study's framework 84work and results will be valuable to improving the efficiency of irrigation, conservation of rain water and maintain the ecosystem in India.