Groundwater sustainability indicators in parts of Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts,Tamil Nadu

The present study emphasizes the use of groundwater sustainability indicators, developed to assess the sustainability of the aquifer in Uppar Odai sub-basin located in part of Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts, Tamil Nadu. There are seven indicators discussed based on their relevance in groundwater sustainability. In most parts of the subbasin, groundwater development already exceeds 80% of the groundwater recharge. The results have shown that the sub-basin area has been contaminated with low hazard pollutant such as nitrate and fluoride. In addition, about 28% and 32% of the sub-basin area respectively is not suitable for irrigation. The analysis of water level data for the last 42 years has shown decline in water table. However, the water level condition has improved in the recent years due to water conservation measures. The basin requires necessary groundwater planning and management to maintain sustainable aquifer condition.