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A review on managed aquifer recharge by check dams: A case study near

Chennai, India

Article · April 2013

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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
Volume: 2 Issue: 4 416 - 423

A REVIEW ON MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE BY CHECK DAMS:

A CASE STUDY NEAR CHENNAI, INDIA

S. Parimala Renganayaki 1 , L. Elango 2

1
Research Scholar, 2Professor, Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai-600 025, Tamil Nadu, India,
[email protected], [email protected]

Abstract
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) through check dams is the intentional recharge of water in the aquifers. The objective of this paper
is to present a review of research work carried out on the impact of check dams in improving the groundwater quantity, quality and
livelihood of people. Further, investigation carried out on the effectiveness of a check dam across Arani River, located north-west of
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India is also presented as a case study. The study reveals that proper maintenance of check dams will result in
the sustainable replenishment of groundwater resources in a region. In general the MAR through check dam is found to be one of the
efficient methods to improve the groundwater head and quality which in turn improve the livelihood of community as indicated by
most of the studies. Case study carried out near Chennai is an evident that check dam has increased the groundwater level up to 1.5
m. Thus MAR by check dam can be considered as a best option for efficient and sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Index Terms: Water resources management, Groundwater recharge, Groundwater Quality, Socioeconomic impact,
Chennai, Recharge structure
-----------------------------------------------------------------------***-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. INTRODUCTION recharge in the unconfined aquifers. Check dams can hold

sufficient water during monsoon season and building a series
Dependence on groundwater is ever increasing especially in of check dams along a river is being practiced in several parts
regions where surface water resources are limited and rainfall of the world including India (Agoramoorthy et al. 2008).
is scarce or erratic. Over-exploitation of groundwater for Thorough review is essential on the research work that had
various purposes results in rapid decline in groundwater table been carried out on the impact of check dam as a method of
in several parts of the world. It is necessary to increase the MAR. This will help to understand the usefulness of check
rainfall recharge in such regions in order to balance the dams in different geological settings, its long term impact and
overdraft of groundwater. Human intervention can lead to methods of determining its efficacy. Hence, this study was
increase in rainfall recharge, which will eventually improve carried out to review the impact of check dams as a method of
groundwater storage and water quality. Gale et al. (2006) MAR in improving the groundwater quantity, quality and
describes Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as intentional livelihood, and also to present a case study from Chennai,
storage and treatment of water in aquifers. Methods of MAR Tamil Nadu, India.
include aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), aquifer storage,
transfer and recovery (ASTR), infiltration ponds, infiltration
2. CHECK DAM FOR MAR
galleries, soil aquifer treatment, percolation tanks and check
dams (Dillon et al. 2009). MAR can be used to address a wide Construction of check dams across rivers is one of the
range of water management issues which includes storing methods of MAR to impound the surface runoff so as to
water in aquifers for future use, smoothing out supply and increase the groundwater recharge. In arid or semi arid regions
demand fluctuations as part of an integrated water such as southern part of India, the rivers flow only for a few
management strategy, stabilizing or raising groundwater levels days in a year (non perennial rivers) during the monsoon.
where over-exploited, reducing loss through evaporation and Hence, large quantum of rainfall reaches the sea as runoff and
runoff, impeding storm runoff and soil erosion, maintaining also results in flooding during peak monsoonal rains. MAR by
environmental flows in streams and rivers, managing saline the check dams will help in harvesting this surface runoff, by
intrusion or land subsidence, disposal or reuse of waste and increasing the contact time between the water and the river
storm water (Gale et al. 2006). Implementation of MAR bed to facilitate infiltration. This improves the groundwater
requires knowledge about the location, hydrogeology, quantity recharge and reduces the runoff into the sea. Groundwater
and quality of water to be recharged. MAR through check quality is also expected to improve as long as the impounded
dams is generally considered as a suitable method to improve water is safeguarded from contamination. Several researchers

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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
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have carried out investigations on assessing the impact of aquifer recharge due to the construction of check dam in these
check dam on groundwater potential. These studies can be areas as the rocks are highly fractured and jointed.
broadly classified into the ones that looked into the increase in
groundwater level, changes in groundwater quality and socio A study was undertaken by Ashraf et al. (2007) to evaluate the
economic impacts of livelihoods. A brief review of these impact of small dams on groundwater levels in the Ravalpindi
research studies are presented in the following sections. division of Pakistan. Three check dams from the same area
were selected for this study. Changes in water level of the
2.1 Study on increase in groundwater level wells located in the vicinity of the small dams were monitored
before and after construction of the check dam. Depth to
Groundwater level data is a best indicator to understand groundwater table before construction of dam in three sites
improvement in groundwater recharge due to the construction varied from 9 to 25m, 12 to 45m and 5 to 90 m below ground
of check dams. Various researchers have carried out studies on level. Whereas after the construction of check dam depth to
assessing the impact of check dams by the groundwater level the groundwater table varied from 6m to 15m, 7m to39m and
measurements and these studies are summarized in Table- 1. 2m to 7m. Due to increased availability of groundwater,
additional wells were constructed in this area and the number
A study on evaluation of recharge from check dam by of wells increased from 135 to 500.
groundwater table response was carried by Muralidharan
(2007) in the granitic terrain of Hyderabad, India. In this Assessment of recharge from three proposed dams was carried
study, a comparison is made between the percentage of natural out by Alderwish (2010) in Yemen. Two techniques, such as a
rainfall recharge and percentage of artificial recharge due to simple water balance model and a more refined Darcian
check dam with respect to rainfall recharge using tritium approach was adopted to predict expected recharge from three
technique. It was estimated, that natural rainfall recharge in check dams and a gravity dam. The estimated recharge by
granitic terrain varied from 5% to 8%, whereas rainfall these two models over the period from 2007 to 2026 was very
recharge through check dam varied from 27% to 40%. This close at three new dam sites. The total average induced
study shows that the natural recharge has increased between recharge from the three check dams during 2007 to 2026 were
22% and 32% due to the construction of check dam in the 141,407 m3 which was higher than the average induced
granitic terrain. recharge of 103,853 m3 from a single gravity dam. The
quantum of expected recharge from three check dams was
Palanisami et al. (2006) assessed the effect of artificial greater than gravity dam. Alderwish (2010) also reported that
recharge by check dam in the hard rock region of Coimbatore, the construction of gravity dam at a tributary was not suitable
Tamil Nadu, India. Groundwater level fluctuation was due to the relatively small predicted runoff. Instead, a series of
monitored in the wells located at a distance from 64 m to 400 three small check dams would be a best alternative to augment
m from the check dam. The influence of check dam recharge the groundwater potential in this area.
was studied for a period of three months from the start of
filling up of the check dam. Groundwater level rose to the Augmentation of groundwater by check dam was carried out
maximum level in the wells located within 64m in 48 days, in Delhi, India by Saxena et al. (2010). Four check dams were
but wells located at 400m from the structure took 3 months to constructed on rivulets and sixteen piezometers were
reach maximum water level. This study indicated greater established to monitor the impact of artificial recharge on
impact of check dam in the case of wells located within 64m groundwater regime. The groundwater level rose by 4m due to
from the check dam. the construction of this check dam. The efficiency of the check
dam in this area was found to be 98%. Check dam has also
Gale (2006) carried out a study on check dams in three increased the vegetation, which in turn increased the
different hydro-meteorological and geological environments in biodiversity.
the states of Gujarat (fractured granite rocks), Tamil Nadu
(fractured charnockite rocks) and Maharashtra (Deccan
basalt) in India. Natural recharge and additional recharge
induced by the check dam was estimated by water budgeting.
The estimated natural rainfall recharge in Gujarat varied from
7% to 27% whereas additional recharge of 4% to 16% was
estimated due to the construction of check dam. Estimated
natural rainfall recharge in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra was
6% and 5% respectively. Additional recharge of 23% and
13% was estimated in Tami Nadu and in Maharashtra
respectively. It was also learned that irrespective of the
geology there was a considerable amount of contribution to

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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
Volume: 2 Issue: 4 416 - 423

required more time to get the maximum benefit from the

Table- 1: Impact of check dam on groundwater level structure. Hence, it was suggested to increase the number of
wells near to the structure in order to get the maximum
Reference Location Findings benefit.
(alphabetical
order) Technical effectiveness of a check dam at Tamil Nadu state,
Alderwish Sana Basin, Increase in recharge by India was carried by numerical approach (Neumann et al.
(2010) Yemen. about 36% 2004). Natural recharge and induced recharge by the check
AI-Muttair et Malham, Al- Suggested to gradually dam was estimated using water balance study. MODFLOW
al. (1994) Amalih release water in to software was used to simulate the effect of the check dam.
Saudi Arabia. downstream for Tube wells were placed in the model at various locations from
improving recharge. the centre of the check dam. The numerical model was used to
Ashraf et al. Pakistan. Groundwater level was calculate the volume of water removed from the aquifer
(2007) increased from 3 to 5 through the tube wells. These were compared with the total
m. volume recharged. This study showed that 33% of recharged
Al-Turbak Al-Amalih, Saudi Sedimentation reduces groundwater was abstracted from the wells located at a
(1991) Arabia. the efficiency of the distance of 110m from the recharge structure. The abstracted
check dam. volume decreased from 33% to 4% if the wells are located far
Gale et al. Satlasana, India. Recharge increased away (510m) from the recharge structure. Palanisami et al.
(2006) from 6% to 24% (2006) and Mudrakartha (2003) have also made similar
Gale (2006) Gujrat, Tamil Considerable observations.
Nadu, Maharastra, contribution to aquifer
India. recharge An assessment of MAR and its effectiveness in watershed
Mudrakartha Gujarat, India. Suggested to increase management were studied by Gale et al. (2006). This study
(2003) number of wells near to was carried out in the gneiss and charnockite rocks of Tamil
the structure to get Nadu, India. The wells located within the vicinity of main
maximum benefit. structure showed the maximum water level fluctuation due to
Muralidharan Andhra Pradesh, Recharge increased the recharge. The natural groundwater recharge was estimated
(2007) India. from 27% to 40%. to be around 6% of the rainfall, and they reported that the
Neumann et al. Tamil Nadu 33% of additional structure was providing an additional recharge of 23% over
(2004) India. water could be the natural groundwater recharge.
extracted from the
wells located nearer to Effectiveness of recharge of groundwater by a check dam was
the check dam. assessed by Al-Turbak (1991) in Saudi Arabia. Three wells in
Niranjan and Saurashtra, Groundwater level near downstream and one well in upstream of the structure were
Srinivasu Gujarat,India. the check dam was used to monitor the groundwater level fluctuations. Infiltration
(2012) increased about 2m. test were conducted to quantity the water infiltrated into the
Palanisami et Tamil Nadu, Impact of check dam aquifer on the downstream side. Infiltration from reservoirs
al. (2006) India. on water quantity was increases sharply just after a flood event, then they had
identified observed drop in the infiltration rate after some time due to
Pandey et al. Rozam, Well yield has sedimentation. Al-Turbak (1991) observed that due to
(2004) Gujarat,India. increased from 0.64 sedimentation the efficiency of the check dam has reduced.
litre per second to 1.50 The study suggests that release of water from the check dam
litre per second after on the channel on downstream will be a feasible alternative to
the intervention increase the groundwater recharge if the precipitation is higher
structure. than the average.
Saxena et al. New Delhi, Rise of groundwater
(2010) India. level up to 4m. A study was conducted by Al-Muttair et al. (1994) with the
aim of improving the efficiency of recharge by check dams.
Five alternative management plans were applied at the check
Mudrakartha (2003) carried out a study on augmentation of dams located in central Saudi Arabia. The first management
groundwater resources by a check dam at Gujarat state, India. plan was not releasing the water from the check dam, second
In this study the wells located within 500m from the structure alternative was releasing the reservoir water to downstream
were monitored by installing automatic water level indicators. channel with long downstream channel and third plan was
The wells which were located far away from the structure releasing the water to downstream basin with shorter

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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
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downstream basin. Alternative 4 was removal of silt from the Table- 2: Impact of check dam on groundwater quality
reservoir bed which was best suitable for recharge dams with a
significant accumulation of silt. Fifth management alternative Reference Location Findings
was scratching of the reservoir bed, was best suited if the (alphabetical
surface of the reservoir is relatively large and the silt deposits order)
are not too deep. After adopting each plan the rate of
infiltration and recharge was estimated by Al-Muttair et al. Bhagavan Andhra Fluoride concentration in
(1994). The second alternative was considered to be attractive and Raghu Pradesh, groundwater reduced.
because of high infiltration capacity of natural river tributaries (2005) India.
even under wet condition.
Bijukumar Peringottu High concentration of ions in
Impact of small water harvesting and artificial recharge and kurissi, the upstream due to
interventions in Singoda river basin, coastal Saurashtra, India Abraham India. impoundment of irrigation
was made by Niranjan and Srinivasu (2012). They compared (2009) return and using of water for
the pre-monsoon water levels of the wells located nearer to bathing and washing.
check dam and far away from the check dam. This study
indicated that the average rise in groundwater levels in the Gale et al. Satlasana, Improved groundwater
wells near the check dams was 9.63m as compared to those (2006) India. quality
wells located away from the check dam (7.64 m). Further, the
wells located within the influenced area yields 3 to 7.35 litre Mudrakartha Gujarat, Reduction in salinity and
per second and water spread area in the basins increased by (2003) India. concentrations of arsenic,
3,024 hectares during monsoon season. fluoride and boron by
dilution due to increased
Pandey et al. (2004) assessed the influence of a check dam in recharge.
Rozam, Gujarat, India by observing the groundwater levels in
50 open wells. They observed that the water table has gone up Palanisami Tamil Concentration of ions in
by 2.57m in year 2002 and 2.10m in year 2003 in 50 open et al. (2006) Nadu, groundwater of wells located
wells. The well yield has increased from 0.64 litre per second India. nearer to the check dam
to 1.50 litre per second in year 2002 and 1.72 litre per second reduced.
in year 2003 after the programme intervention. The
comparison of pre and post programme data indicates that the Samarah et Wadi feifa, Dilutions of ions were
programme has resulted in increased productivity, improved al. (2009) Jordan. noticed due to the recharge
income and better food availability. caused by the check dam.

These studies indicate that the recharge of water stored by

check dams result in increase in groundwater level. It is better Utility of check dams for dilution of fluoride concentration in
to locate the extraction wells at optimum distance from the groundwater was assessed by Bhagavan and Raghu (2005) in
check dam in order get the maximum benefit of recharge. Andhra Pradesh, India. Fluoride concentration in the
Check dam can function more efficiently by periodical silt groundwater was 1.6ppm to 3.5ppm which is beyond the
removal or discharging the water at intermittent intervals so as permissible limit (1.5 ppm) for using it as drinking water in
to increase the recharge on the downstream side. this site. A check dam was constructed in the upstream part of
the region with high fluoride groundwater. They have reported
2.2 Study on changes in water quality that after the construction of check dam the fluoride
concentration was reduced to the amount 1.5 ppm which is not
Quality of water is as important as that of its quantity. Water harmful to human health.
in the check dam is primarily rainfall runoff drained from
different land use of the catchment. Hence the recharge of this Evaluation of quality of groundwater recharged by the check
water may change the hydrochemical characteristics of the dam was made by Samarah et al. (2009) at Southern Jordan
resident groundwater. This aspect has been studied by several valley, Saudi Arabia. The concentrations of the samples at
researchers. Research works based on impact of check dam on different periods indicated that there was an increase in total
surface and groundwater quality are summarized in Table- 2. dissolved solids (TDS) in all the wells except the wells located
nearer to the check dam. They have observed decrease in TDS
due the dilution effect of recharge of water stored in the check
dam. Hence, it is evident that check dam had resulted in the
improvement on groundwater quality.

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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
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Water quality estimation of groundwater recharged by check aspects of research work on the impact of check dam on
dam was carried out by Palanisami et al. (2006) in livelihood are summarized in Table-3.
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Water samples were collected
and analysed from the wells located at different distances from Participation of communities in building and managing
the check dam. The wells located within 64m from the check temporary check dams in Kerala, India and its impact on
dam had concentration of ions lower that the wells located far community was assessed by Balooni et al. (2008). Secondary
away from the structure. data such as background information on the study area were
collected from government agencies and primary data were
Groundwater quality was monitored in selected dug wells and collected from farmers using a structured pre-tested
bore wells located near the check dam at Gujarat, India by questionnaire. The study found that, only because of check
Mudrakartha (2003). It was indentified that the check dam had dam agricultural activity was possible during summer season.
improved the groundwater quality and even reduced the That is, the check dam has eventually increased the scope of
concentrations of toxic ions such as arsenic, fluoride and growing cash crops even during summer period. So this was
boron due to the dilution. motivated the people in participation in the construction and
management of temporary check dams. This research is an
These studies showed that recharge from the check dam has evidence of check-dam playing a vital role in sustaining and
resulted in improvement in groundwater quality. However, a enhancing the agrarian life of this area.
few researchers have also highlighted the constraints involved
in using check dam for improving the water quality. Examination of impact of check dams on agricultural
development and on farmers was carried out by Khlifi (2010)
Impact of check dams on the groundwater quality of a tropical in Northwestern Tunisia. A socio-economic survey was
river in Kerala, India was studied by Bijukumar et al. (2009). carried out by questionnaire with the farmers living around the
Electrical conductivity, alkalinity, nitrite, sulphate and total dams. The water conserved by the structure was used by the
suspended solids of surface water from both upstream and farmers to irrigate seasonal vegetable crops, fodder, and
downstream areas did not vary much throughout the year especially fruit tree plantations, indicating shifts in the farming
whereas, phosphate, nitrate and total dissolved solids exhibited systems. Sheep productivity was doubled as a consequence of
significant seasonal variations in the upstream area of the better foddering due to availability of water. The average
check dam. The high concentration of water in the upstream of annual net income for the local community has doubled due to
check dam was due to the use of impounded water for increased production of crops and livestock.
washing, bathing coupled with leaching of nutrients from the
nearby agricultural fields. This research indicated that, Evaluation of sociological impact of a check dam in Madhya
recharge of this water will affect the groundwater quality. Pradesh, India was carried out by Khosla (1999). Quantitative
data related to check dam impact was gathered through
Groundwater level measured by Gale et al. (2006) indicated household surveys using the pre tested questionnaires. The
that water level raised only by a few centimetres due to a survey indicated that construction of check dam has increased
check dam in Tamil Nadu, India in a region comprise of water availability. People have built better homes due to
gneissic and charnockite rocks. Due to the poor recharge from increased income as sustained agriculture was made possible
the check dam no significant improvement in groundwater due to the check dam.
quality was observed by them. In general, the research work
carried out on the impact of check dam indicates decrease in Most of the research work on check dam by Mudrakartha
concentration of ions in groundwater due to the recharge of (2003), Palanisami et al. (2003), Gale et al. (2006), Neumann
relatively good quality water from the check dam. However, et al. (2004)) indicate positive impact on livelihood. The
improvement in groundwater quality is dependent on the researchers who have used groundwater level measurements to
quality of water stored by the check dam. Hence, it is evaluate the impact of check dams as explained in previous
important to maintain the quality of water stored in the check sections have also looked into its impact on the community. A
dam by taking certain precautions like preventing discharge set of questioners distributed to people living around the check
from the nearby agricultural lands, dumping of domestic dam helped them to determine that the check dam has
wastes, release of sewage etc. increased crop production, yield of well for irrigation and
livestock. All these had led to increase in the income of the
2.3 Study on socio economic impact farmers.
Managed aquifer recharge by check dams needs to be Check dam in gullies was considered to be the most effective
beneficial to local community and it has to improve the measure to conserve soil and water in Chinese Loess Plateau.
livelihood of the people. MAR will result in changes in Research work carried out by Xiangzhou et al. (2002) indicate
quantity and quality of water, which in turn will have an that farmland could yield 750 kg-1,500 kg of maize per
impact on the people living in the nearby areas. The salient
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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
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hectare because of the fertile soil and abundant water near the A research project was undertaken by Redlich (2010) in
check dam. Due to the increased agricultural practice near Nagda, Ujjain District, Madhya Pradesh, India to assess the
check dam, sustainable food supplies could be made which socio economic impacts of check dam upon the lives of
provided employment opportunities to the farmers. farmers around the structure. The farmers narrated that they
could get additional earnings due to the check dam and they
Table- 3: Impact check dam on livelihood could reinvest the income back into the farming. This was
possible due to assured water supply for irrigation which
Reference Location Findings improving educational opportunities, health care treatment.
(alphabetical
order) The pros and cons of impact of a check dam on livelihood
Ashraf et al. Pakistan. Inequitable were identified by Ashraf et al. (2007) in Pakistan. Illegal
(2007) distribution of taping of water, non-functional water use associations,
available water leakage, improper maintenance of structure, broken outlets,
Balooni et Kerala, India. Increase in and poorly maintained field channels resulted in unequal
al.(2008) agriculture utilisation of water in the check dam. Need for an integrated
activity during programme was emphasised for effective utilization of
summer season. available water to get maximum benefit to the people.
Khlifi (2010) Jendouba, Tunisia. Farming
systems Review of research on socio economic aspects conclude that
improved. water harvested by the check dams increase the income of
Khosla, (1999) Madhya Pradesh, Increased livelihoods mainly due to sustained agriculture. Women were
India. income due to able to save time as the water is made available near to their
sustained home. The pros and cons of check dam impact on livelihood
agriculture indicated that integrated programme was required to solve the
Mudrakartha Gujarat, Increased the problem of inequitable distribution of water among upstream
(2003), Coimbatore, crop production, and downstream users.
Palanisami et Maharastra, India. well irrigation
al.(2003), Gale et and increase in 3. CASE STUDY NEAR CHENNAI
al. (2006), the number of Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and it is a fourth largest
Neumann et al livestock. Metropolitan City in India where the water supply is met from
(2004) surface and groundwater resources. Surface water supplies for
Redlich (2010) Madya Pradesh, Assured water Chennai city is met from three reservoirs namely, Poondi,
India. supply for Cholavaram & Redhills and the groundwater supply is met
forming. from the well fields located in north and south of the coastal
Samwanshi et al. Maharastra, India. No longer aquifers. In recent years, population of the Chennai city and
(2006) subject to the rural area surrounding the city have faced severe water
vagaries of shortages due to continuous extraction of groundwater for
monsoon and irrigation and domestic purposes. This has also leaded to
women not seawater intrusion (Rao et al. 2004, Ganesan and
spending their Thayumanavan 2009). Hence, several check dams were
time in fetching constructed across rivers to improve the groundwater
water. potential. A study is currently being carried out by the authors
Xiangzhou et al. Loess Plateau, Food production of this paper to understand the effectiveness of a check dam
(2002) China. self supported. across Arani River in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu located
north-west of Chennai, India (Fig-1). Construction of this
Samwanshi et al. (2006) carried out a study in a check dam in check dam of 260m length with a crest height of 3.5m was
Gudwanwadi, Maharastra, India. Rainwater harvested through completed in July 2010. The highest elevation of this study
this check dam improved the livelihood by providing area is 29m with respect to Mean Sea Level (MSL) and the
sufficient water for the needs of domestic, irrigation and area is sloping gradually from west to east towards Bay of
livestock. They also indicated that community around Bengal. The average annual rainfall is around 1200mm; 35%
Gudwanwadi were no longer subjected to the vagaries of the falling in the south west (June- September) monsoon and 60%
monsoon. Further, they observed that women were not during the northeast (October-December) monsoon. As per
spending their time for fetching water from greater distance. United States Department of Agriculture classification, soil
orders of this area are alfisols, inceptisols, vetisols.

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S. PARIMALA RENGANAYAKI* et al ISSN: 2319 - 1163
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Agriculture is the major source of economy and rice is the

major food crop in this area.

Fig – 2: Water level fluctuation before and after construction of

the Check dam

CONCLUSION
The review of research work on assessing the impact of check
dam as a method of MAR on groundwater level, groundwater
quality and socio economic aspects was carried out. It is from
evident from all the studies that groundwater potential
increase due to the construction of check dams. Efficiency of
the check dam will be at its best by adopting proper
maintenance activities such as silt removal and bed scratching
at periodical intervals. To overcome the problem of reduction
of recharge due to silting, water from the check dam can be
released at periodical intervals so as to increase the recharge
through the downstream side. It is generally observed by
many researchers that groundwater quality improves within
the vicinity of the check dam. However, the aerial extent of
influence of check dam varies depending on the geology,
hydrogeology as well as the storage capacity. However,
Fig-1: Map showing the study area improvement in groundwater quality depends on the quality of
with monitoring wells water stored by the check dam. It is important to maintain the
quality of water by taking suitable precautions like preventing
discharge from the nearby agricultural lands, release of
3.1 Increase in groundwater level before and after domestic wastes, sewage, dumping of wastes etc. Water
construction of the check dam harvested by the check dam increase the income of livelihoods
mainly due to sustained agriculture and increased availability
Nineteen monitoring wells were selected near the check dam of water for various uses. Case study in north of Chennai also
and groundwater levels were measured periodically from July signify increase in groundwater level by about 1.5m after
2010 (before the construction of check dam) to July 2012. construction of the check dam. It is concluded that MAR
Groundwater level before and after the construction of check through check dam is found to be one of the efficient method
dam along west to east direction cross section (X-X') is shown to improve the groundwater head, and quality which in turn
in Figure 2. This figure shows that before construction of improve the livelihood of community as indicated by most of
check dam, the groundwater level was 15 m msl in July 2010, the studies. Thus for efficient and sustainable management of
whereas after the construction of check dam, it was at 16.5 m water resources, MAR by check dam can be considered as a
and 17.8m msl in July 2011 and July 2012 respectively. That best option.
is the groundwater level increased by about 1.5m in July 2011
and 2.8 m in July 2012. Thus considerable rise in water table ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
was observed due the construction of check dam in this area.
The authors thank the Department of Science and Technology,
New Delhi, India for funding this research under the Women
Scientist Scheme (Grant SR/WOS-A/ET-49/2010(G)).

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