Identification of Suitable Sites for Rainwater Harvesting Using Remote Sensing and GIS: A Case Study of District Lakki Marwat, Pakistan

Abstract

Lakki Marwat is significantly under great threat due to water scarcity since last 2 decades. According to current scenario the most promising alternative is rain water harvesting in the monsoon season in different agro-climatic zones. This study is an innovative approach to explore the potential rain water harvesting sites in Lakki Marwat through Geospatial analysis. GIS and remote sensing methods were integrated to evaluate four parameters runoff, slope, drainage density and LULC which are significantly affecting our RWH sites. Weighted overlay analysis is used as a method to evaluate these parameters. These factors along with their individual features were assigned suitable weights to generate suitable sites for rain water harvesting. The study area was classified in to four zones as most suitable covering an area of 14.5%, suitable (25.47%), moderate suitable (38.55%) and least suitable (21.4%). This research findings will not only bring positive impact on the agriculture, livestock, water and soil quality but will also enhance the ground water recharge and will reduce the ground water consumption and to increase ground water table.