Evaluation of groundwater quality potential zones using AHP and WIOA models in Shopian District, Jammu and Kashmir, India: A GIS

Groundwater is an important natural resource stored in aquifers beneath the earth's surface. The hilly district of Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir serves as a study area due to its present and future groundwater needs. This study aims to assess the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) in Shopian District using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted index overlay analysis (WIOA). The AHP approach attempted to assign weights to specific groundwater recharge characteristics. The various thematic maps, including rainfall, land cover and usage, slope, drainage density, geomorphology, soil, and geology, were integrated using overlay analysis to create a comprehensive GWPZ map. Geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) tools were utilized to indicate the potential groundwater existence in the studied area. Four zones were created from the GWPZ: very poor, poor, good, and very good. The analysis showed that the very poor GWPZ is around 35.12 sq km, the poor zone is roughly 166.89 sq km, the excellent zone is approximately 340 sq km, and the very good zone is approximately 66.13 sq km. The present study reveals significant perspectives for organizing and effectively restocking groundwater locations within the district. It intends to safeguard the sustainability of groundwater resources for future generations by promoting their successful development and management.