Geospatial technology-based modeling of groundwater recharge potential in the Pishin River Basin, Pakistan: a pathway to achieving SDG6

Pishin River Basin is one of the prominent river basins in Balochistan, situated in the south-eastern region of Pakistan. In view of the water scarcity in the basin, this research adopts a comprehensive approach that integrates RS-GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Making techniques. The study uses multi-parameter datasets, including lithological, hydrological, topographical, soil, and land-use information. These datasets were acquired through a combination of geospatial and conventional data sources. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its fuzzy extension (FAHP) were applied to calculate the weight for each thematic layer. The AHP-based groundwater recharge model identified 14.1% of the area as very high recharge potential, 22.7% as high, 26% as moderate, 25.8% as low, and 11.3% as very low. In comparison, the Fuzzy AHP model classified 15% very high, 22.2% high, 26.3% moderate, 25.6% low, and 10.9% very low recharge potential. The model’s accuracy was validated through ROC-AUC with borehole data, resulting in 91% accuracy for the AHP model and 95% for the Fuzzy AHP model. Sensitivity analysis identified soil types, land use, and lineament density as essential factors in groundwater recharge. This research highlights the role of geospatial technology in groundwater recharge modeling. It provides spatially explicit information to support sustainable groundwater management and help achieve SDG 6 targets. Overall, key findings will offer valuable guidance for government officials and water policy decision-makers in implementing sustainable groundwater management strategies in the study area and other arid-semiarid regions.