Potential for Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) in South Bihar, India

Somnath Bandyopadhyay, Aviram Sharma, Satiprasad Sahoo, Kishore Dhavala and Prabhakar Sharma
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Aviram Sharma: School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
Satiprasad Sahoo: School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
Kishore Dhavala: School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India
Prabhakar Sharma: School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar 803116, India

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-10

Abstract: Among the several options of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques, the aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is a well-known sub-surface technique to replenish depleted aquifers, which is contingent upon the selection of appropriate sites. This paper explores the potential of ASR for groundwater recharge in the hydrological, hydrogeological, social, and economic context of South Bihar in India. Based on the water samples from more than 137 wells and socio-economic surveys, ASR installations were piloted through seven selected entrepreneurial farmers in two villages of South Bihar. The feasibility of ASR in both hard rock and deep alluvial aquifers was demonstrated for the prominent aquifer types in the marginal alluvial plains of South Bihar and elsewhere. It was postulated through this pilot study that a successful spread of ASR in South Bihar can augment usable water resources for agriculture during the winter cropping season. More importantly, ASR can adapt to local circumstances and challenges under changing climatic conditions. The flexible and participatory approach in this pilot study also allowed the farmers to creatively engage with the design and governance aspects of the recharge pit. The entrepreneurial farmers-led model builds local accountability, creates avenues for private investments, and opens up the space for continued innovation in technology and management, while also committing to resource distributive justice and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: MAR; ASR; groundwater recharge; sustainability; South Bihar (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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