Introduction: Groundwater is a vital resource for agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs, especially in coastal regions where alternative water sources are limited. Assessing groundwater vulnerability is crucial to ensuring sustainable water management and mitigating contamination risks.
Methods: This study evaluates groundwater vulnerability in the Puducherry region using the DRASTIC model, which incorporates hydrogeological parameters such as depth to the water table, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity. Geographic information system (GIS) techniques were employed to generate vulnerability maps, categorizing the region into low-, moderate-, and high-susceptibility zones. Additionally, land use and land cover (LULC) data were integrated with the traditional DRASTIC model to develop a modified risk assessment layer. The model was validated using nitrate and chloride concentration data.
Results: The findings indicate that integrating LULC data with the conventional DRASTIC model provides a more comprehensive assessment of groundwater vulnerability. The modified analysis revealed that high-risk areas account for 26.64% of the study region, highlighting the significant impact of human activities on groundwater contamination.
Conclusion: This research presents a robust framework for assessing groundwater vulnerability in coastal regions. The results underscore the need for targeted groundwater management strategies to protect water resources. The study provides policymakers with valuable insights for developing sustainable water management practices.