Identifying hidden groundwater reserves: GIS advances and multi-criteria decision analysis for enhanced potential assessment

The aquifer system may become susceptible as a result of excessive groundwater extraction without regard for scientific principles. This study evaluates the Groundwater Potential (G.P.) using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and geospatial modelling. Here in MCDA, the G.P. is measured using Remote Sensing (R.S.) and Geographic Information System (GIS), together with Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP), Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP), and Best Worst Method (BWM). Analysis and model creation took into account 15 groundwater affecting elements that affect the G.P. Groundwater Potential Zones (GPZs) in Cachar District, India varied by the following percentages: 46.97%, 37.41%, and 15.62% for AHP; 46.13%, 40.92%, and 12.95% for FHP; and 50.65%, 36.51%, and 12.84% for BWM, respectively, for low, medium, and high zones. The FAHP and BWM models outperformed the AHP model, according to the results of the qualitative validation. The concerned authorities might identify vulnerable locations and plan sustainable groundwater management with the use of these MCDA approaches combined with GIS. (c) 2024 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.