The report presents a literature review on the status of research related to saltwater intrusion and groundwater management in coastal and deltaic environments in the east coast of South India. The area is typically characterized by highly productive and alluvial aquifers and high use of both surface as well as groundwater. Seawater intrusion into the freshwater aquifers is extensive due to increased pumpages.
A quantitative understanding of the patterns of movement and mixing between freshwater and saline water and the factors that influence these processes is stressed in the report. It presents the mechanics of saltwater intrusion through studies by Ghyben and Herzberg and later on by Hubbert. A comprehensive review of studies by Reilly and Goodman relating to saltwater intrusion is discussed. Later advances in understanding saltwater-freshwater relationship through numerical models like sharp interface model and miscible flow model are described.
Models, which solve governing flow and transport equations in conjunction with optimization techniques have become powerful aquifer management tools. The need to develop management models and evolve policy guidelines for optimal utilization of surface and groundwater is stressed. Groundwater management models involving allocation of groundwater supplies to competing uses and simulation models to explore groundwater management alternatives are explained. The classification of groundwater management models into hydraulic management models and policy evaluation & allocation models is discussed. Groundwater regulation involving policy instruments like power pricing, subsidy and tax are suggested.
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