Groundwater recharge mapping using sequential AHP and GIS in Sirhind Canal Tract

Groundwater depletion in intensively irrigated northwest India necessitates robust methods for identifying suitable recharge zones. Although GIS-based multi-criteria models are widely used, many rely on single-tier weighting structures, limited subsurface characterization and insufficient validation. To address this gap, this study develops a sequential three-tier Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework integrated with lithology-based modeling to delineate groundwater recharge potential zones in the Sirhind Canal Tract, Punjab. Thirteen geomorphological, climatic and hydrogeological layers were analyzed within this framework to refine weight allocation and improve consistency. Results indicate that approximately 5%, 15%, 16% and nearly two-thirds of the area fall under very low, low, medium and high to very high recharge potential zones, respectively, subject to model uncertainty. Sensitivity and weight perturbation analyses confirmed robustness, while validation across 52 wells yielded 73.07% agreement. The approach provides a transparent and robust decision-support framework for prioritizing artificial recharge and sustainable groundwater management.