Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Ground Water Level of Lahore Metropolitan and its Relationship with Urbanization and Rainfall

Introduction/Importance of Study:Lahore, the capital of Punjab Province, has a population of 14.1 million people. The city relies entirely on groundwater to meet its water needs. However, unsustainable water usage has led to a significant decline in groundwater levels.Novelty Statement:This study aims to investigate the root causes of groundwater depletion in Lahore and propose effective protective measures. The excessive extraction from around 600 tube wells, some reaching depths of 600 to 1000 feet, has resulted in non-functional wells and severe water shortages.Material and Method:The study employed various tools and techniques, including Google Earth Engine, image classification methods, and R Studio (ordinary Kriging). An overlay analysis assessed the spatial relationship between land use/land cover and groundwater levels. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between urbanization, population growth, and groundwater depletion in Lahore.Results and Discussion:The rate of groundwater depletion has increased from an average of 2.133 feet per year (0.65 meters per year) between 1980 and 2000 to over 3 feet per year (over 1 meter per year) since 2013. Contributing factors include rapid urbanization, increased water demand due to population growth, and inadequate rainwater recharge. This rapid depletion poses a serious threat to Lahore's groundwater resources, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.Concluding Remarks:The rapid depletion of groundwater is a critical issue for Lahore, necessitating immediate implementation of sustainable water management practices and groundwater recharge strategies. Effective measures are essential to mitigate the impacts of rapid urbanization and population growth on groundwater resources, ensuring a reliable water supply for the future.