Groundwater Investigation by Resistivity Method in the Drought-Prone Kuchinda and Bamra Blocks, Sambalpur District, Odisha, India

Hydrogeological studies in drought-prone Kuchinda and Bamra blocks of Kuchinda Subdivision in northern part of Sambalpur district has indicated predominance of consolidated formations lacking primary porosity. Groundwater occurs both under unconfined and semiconfined conditions in the weathered and fractured zones. Although, there is underdevelopment of groundwater resources in the subdivision as a whole, localized scarcity is found in many places as evidenced from dry wells in summer and increase in the depth of water table over the years. Resistivity survey in 26 locations of the area has indicated 3 to 5 layer cases in the disposition of subsurface rocks. The second and third layers are suitable for groundwater storage and movement and hence can be developed for groundwater. The potential fracture zones are restricted to a depth of 27 to 174.5 m below the ground level.