ABSTRACT Assessing groundwater potential is vital for properly managing and utilizing groundwater resources. In hilly regions, groundwater management requires the adoption of modern technologies in addition to protective measures. This study investigates the key factors influencing groundwater potential and aims to quantify groundwater resources by estimating aquifer parameters through field-based pumping tests. The research integrates remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to assess groundwater conditions in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, India. In the first phase, thematic layers representing six geo-environmental parameters were generated, analyzed, and standardized using GIS tools. In the second phase, 30 pumping tests were conducted within the delineated potential groundwater zones (PGZs), selected based on suitability criteria and site-specific characteristics. The validation performed by comparing the primary and secondary data for 37 wells resulted in a groundwater map of the study area. Observations indicate that the GIS-delineated PGZs, hydrogeology, and computed hydraulic parameters play a vital role in identifying the groundwater resources of an area. The findings provide support for watershed management techniques and adaptive urban design policies in hilly terrain to improve hydrological resilience, reduce environmental risks, and promote sustainable resource use. This study offers practical recommendations for managing groundwater resources sustainably.
Singh et al. (Wed,) studied this question.