Technical Report Series: D No:

Ground Water Information Booklet of

Kamrup & Kamrup Metro District,
Assam

Central Ground Water Board

North Eastern Region
Ministry of Water Resources
Guwahati
September 2013
 GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET
KAMRUP DISTRICT

AT A GLANCE

Sl.
ITEMS Statistics
No.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
i) Geographical Area (sq. km.) 4,111
ii) Administrative Division (as on 2011)
Number of CD Block 17
Number of Panchayat 160
iii) Population (As on 2011 Census) 27,77,621
iv) Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 2,127
2. GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major physiographic unit Plains, hills
Major Drainages Brahmaputra, Puthimari,
Digaru, Kulsi, Singra River
3. LAND USE (sq. km.)
a) Forest Area 930.25
b) Net Area Sown 2205.71

4. MAJOR SOIL TYPES Alluvial soil (newer and

older) and soil over forest
and hilly area.
5. IRRIGATION BY DIFFERENT SOURCES
(Areas and Numbers of Structures)
Dug wells Nil
Tube wells/Bore wells Shallow Tube well = 17,779
Deep Tube Well = 13
Tanks/Ponds N.A.
Canals N.A.
Other sources 53 schemes
Net irrigated area 35,558 ha by Agri. Dept.
6,978 ha by Irrigation Dept.
Gross irrigated area 12,290 ha by Irrigation Dept.
7. NUMBERS OF GROUND WATER
MONITORING WELLS OF CGWB (As on
31.3.2013)
No. of Dug Wells 44
No. of Piezometers 7
8. PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS Alluvium, recent and older
valley fill, pediment,
Shillong group of rocks of
Pre-Cambrian Age
9. HYDROGEOLOGY
 Major Water bearing Formation Alluvial sediments,
 (Pre-monsoon Depth to Water Level during 2011) 1.83 to 6.55 m bgl
  (Post – monsoon depth to water level during 2011) 0.52 to 5.92 m bgl.
 Long term water level trend in 10 yrs (2002-2011) No significant rise/fall
in m/yr observed
10. GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY CGWB
(As on 31.3.2013)
No. of wells drilled (EW, OW, PZ, SH, Total) EW=73; OW=16; PZ=13;
SH-1, DW=13
Depth Range (m) 50.0-300
Discharge (litres per second) 5 – 20
Storativity (S) 2.17 x 10-3 to 8.6 x 10-4
Transmissivity (m2/day) 41 – 5963
11. GROUND WATER QUALITY
Presence of Chemical constituents more than Fe and F
permissible limit (e.g. EC, F, As, Fe)
Type of water Fresh and potable
12. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RSOURCES (2009)
in MCM
Net Annual Ground Water Draft 715.97
Projected Demand for Domestic and Industrial Uses up 105.16
to 2025
Ground water availability for future irrigation 912.64
Stage of Ground Water Development 43 %
13. Mass Awareness Programmes Organized 8 nos. of MAP conducted in
the district
Date: 1. Rani, 1997;
Place: 2. Mathgharia,
Guwahati, 9.11.1999.
3. Mathgharia,
Guwahati, 1.02.2002.
4. Hajo, Kamrup,
28.3.2003,
5. Sonapur College,
Kamrup, 11.07.2003,
6. Agriculture Research
Center, Kahikuchi,
Kamrup, 2.3.2006,
7. Guwahati, Kamrup,
29.03.07,
8. Madanpur, Kamrup,
12.01.09.
 Water Management Training Programme 5 WMTP organized in the
Organized district
Date: 1. Hengrabari,
Place: Guwahati,
2. Khanapara, Kamrup,
24th - 26th September,
2003,
3. Institution of
Engineers, Panbazar,
Guwahati, 27th –28th
February, 2006,
4. Guwahati, Kamrup,
22nd March, 2007,
5. Brahmaputra Board,
Guwahati, 11-12,
Feb. 09.
14. ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE AND Under Central Sector Scheme
RAINWATER HARVESTING during IXth Plan, a total of 12
structures were constructed
in Hajo and Sonapur areas in
Kamrup District.

15. MAJOR GROUND WATER PROBLEMS AND High iron and fluoride
ISSUES content in some places
 GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET
KAMRUP DISTRICT, ASSAM

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Kamrup district of Assam established in 1970 is situated in the west central
part of the state of Assam, covering an area of 4111 sq. km. on both sides of
Brahmaputra River. It lies between North latitudes 25 o 42′ 03″ and 26o 50′ 10″ and
East longitudes 91o 00′ 01″ and 92o 10′ 04″ and falls in the Survey of India Degree
Sheet No. 78 W and O. For administrative convenience, it has been recently sub-
divided into 2 (two) districts as Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup (Rural). A map showing
the administrative divisions of the district has been given in Plate-I.
The district occupies part of the basin formed by mighty river Brahmaputra
passing through the central part with a westerly course. The perennial tributaries like
Puthimari, Digaru, Kulsi, Singra etc. drain the district and join the River Brahmaputra.
The irrigation facilities have mostly been confined to a few lift and flow
irrigation schemes. Moreover, farmers are accustomed with single rainfed irrigation.
Single paddy crop has now switched over to multiple cropping practices by utilizing
ground water through shallow tube wells.
Central Ground Water Board as an apex organization in the country has
carried out studies like systematic and reappraisal hydrogeological surveys, ground
water exploration and monitoring of National Hydrographic Network Stations etc. In
addition, the ground water development potential of the district has been assessed in
the district. A number of investigations have been carried out for the feasibility study
of construction of tube well for various user agencies and also it has provided
required supports to State Government.

2.0 RAINFALL AND CLIMATE

The climate of the area has been classified as sub-tropical humid climate with
heavy rainfall, hot summer and high humidity. Average temperature ranges from 12
to 38oC during the year. In winter, temperature ranges from 15 to 25 oC during day
and 8 to 15oC during night. The summer temperature ranges from 25 to 38 oC during
day and 15 to 25oC during night.
 Average annual rainfall of the district is 1752 mm and co-efficient of variation
is 15.3%. The annual normal rainfall of the district as compiled from IMD data is
2125.4 mm with 96.5 rainy days.

3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOIL TYPE

Physiographically the district can be divided into three units; i.e. the hilly
region in the south, the alluvial plain in the central and western part and the swampy
areas along Brahmaputra plains. The distinguishable geomorphic units are as
follows.
a) Flood plain of river Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
b) Younger alluvial plain which occupies major part of the area, having
slightly higher elevation than flood plain.
c) Older alluvium/valley fill, gently sloping plain, having higher elevation
than the younger alluvial plain.
d) Piedmont, gently sloping plain along the foothills.
e) Inselberg occurs as very small isolated hills.
f) Denudational hills considering of granite, gneissic rocks
The different rock formation occurring in the district has been subjected to
various soil forming processes through agents of weathering and transportation
during different geological ages. Soils comprising various proportions of sand, silt,
clay and organic material in the district are grouped into three broad categories – a)
newer alluvial soil, b) valley fill/older alluvial soil and c) soils over forest and hilly
terrain.

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology
The area consists of two broad hydrogeological units – 1) Pre-Cambrian
consolidated rocks and 2) Quaternary alluvium consisting of unconsolidated
sediments (Plate-2).
Pre-Cambrian consolidated rocks are confined to hilly areas and inselbergs,
where ground water occurs in shallow weathered zone and this can be developed
through open wells. The joints and fractures developed due to tectonic activities form
potential water bearing zones and suitable for development through construction of
bore wells.
 In the alluvial plain, groundwater occurs in regionally extensive aquifers down
to the depth of 305 m. It has a very good yield prospect. The aquifers are consisting
of sands of various grades with gravel and are suitable for construction of both
shallow and deep tube wells. Groundwater occurs under unconfined to semi-
confined condition occupying an area of about 200 sq. km. in and around Haihata –
Dumunichowki which is under artesian condition. In other parts also, the water level
rests at shallow depth and in major part, it rests between 2 – 5 m bgl during pre-
monsoon period. The study of long term water level trend shows no significant
change in rise/fall in water level in the last 10 years.
The shallow tube wells tapping aquifers within 50 m depth are capable of
yielding about 10 lps in major places, deep tube wells constructed within 95 m depth
tapping about 30 m granular zones are yielding 10 – 20 lpm. The transmissivity of
the aquifer ranges from 41 to 6162 m 2/day and the permeability varies from 10 to 59
m/day. In hard rock, the yield of bore well constructed in greater Guwahati area
ranges from 4 to 300 lpm. The dispositions of aquifers in Kamrup district, Assam are
shown in (Plate-IIIa-IIIc). The summarized results of the exploration conducted by
C.G.W.B. in the district are given in Table 1.

4.2 Ground Water Resources

Dynamic ground water resources of Kamrup district are estimated based on
the methodology adopted as per GEC 1997, following water level fluctuation and
rainfall infiltration factor methodology.
The annual dynamic ground water resources as on 2009 are estimated to be
1847.29 MCM while the net annual ground water draft is 715.97 MCM. The stage of
ground water development is 43%. The projected demand for domestic and
industrial uses up to 2025 is estimated to be about 105.16 MCM. The district is still
under ‘Safe’ category and sufficient resources are still available for future
development.

4.3 Ground Water Quality

The water samples collected from the monitoring stations and the exploratory
wells drilled in different parts of the district were analyzed in the Chemical Laboratory
of C.G.W.B., NER, Guwahati. The results of the chemical analysis of ground water
samples reveal that ground water is fresh, potable and suitable for both domestic
and irrigation purposes. However, due to slightly higher content of iron in some
sporadic patches of the area and fluoride content exceeding permissible limit in
some pockets in and around Guwahati City, water needs to be treated before being
used for drinking purpose.

4.4 Status of Ground Water Development

Ground water development is at low key at present and estimated to be 644
MCM only against the vast annual dynamic resources of 1482 MCM. After allocation
for domestic and industrial requirement of 105 MCM for a population estimated in
2025, the net annual dynamic resources of 790 MCM are still available for
development.
At present, groundwater draft is mainly for domestic and irrigation purposes
and a negligible amount is for industry. The water supply schemes for drinking
purpose are executed by Assam Public Health Engineering Department through
groundwater structures like dug well, hand pump and deep tube well. The
groundwater draft for irrigation is mainly from shallow tube well implemented by
Agriculture Department through the farmers. The existing draft for irrigation is
estimated to be 586 MCM.
4.5 Water Laws
The Guwahati Water Bodies (Preservation and Conservation) Act 2008
(Assam Act No. XX of 2008) of the Assam Legislative Assembly received the
assent of the Governor on 05.08.2008 and its notification came on effect on
07.08.2008 to provide for preservation, protection, conservation, regulation and
maintenance of water bodies into natural water reservoir and convert into eco-
tourism recreation centre to suit the ecological balance within the jurisdiction of
Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and to protect the water bodies from
the encroachers and damages and the matters connected therewith or incidental
thereto. The area of land specified in the Schedules I, II, III and IV of this Act are
declared as Water Bodies namely Sarusala Beel, Borsola Beel, Silsako Beel and
Deepor Beel which are shown in Plate-IV.

5.0 GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Thick and extensive alluvial deposit with rich aquifer system covering major
part of the district is suitable for ground water development through open wells,
shallow tube wells and deep tube wells. To meet the drinking and other requirements
of limited quantities of individual households, open wells and filter point wells are
feasible almost in all parts of the district, except the areas occupied by hills. Ring
wells of 0.80 to 1.20 m diameter to depth of 5 to 10 m bgl are likely to hold sufficient
quantity of water to meet the requirement. Filter point wells to the depth of about 20
to 25 m bgl by providing galvanized iron/PVC pipes with slotted pipes against the
granular zones are suitable for extraction of groundwater for domestic use.
For agricultural purpose, shallow tube wells can be constructed in areas
occupied by flood plain and younger alluvial formation. A number of shallow tube
wells constructed by State Agriculture Department and the study of the performance
of the tube wells shows that tube wells constructed within 30m depth, tapping over
about 9 m granular zone giving discharge of about 600 lpm. As such, based on the
nature of sub-surface geology, a shallow tube well of 30 to 50 m depth tapping about
15 m granular zones expected to yield 30 to 50 m 3/hr in alluvial area. A well
assembly of 100 mm diameter GI or PVC pipe can be lowered in a 150 mm diameter
borehole. Considering the shallow water level, a centrifugal pump can be used to
irrigate about 3 ha of land with an average annual draft of 0.03 MCM.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Detailed hydrogeological surveys aided by exploratory drilling carried out by
Central Ground Water Board have revealed the existence of rich aquifer system
down to the depth of 300 m. The geological formation constituting the district
comprises of Recent to Sub-recent unconsolidated alluvial formation and Pre-
Cambrian consolidated rocks in the form of hills and inselberg.
The hydrogeological set up and availability of huge dynamic ground water
resources indicates that there is much scope for the development of ground water
through construction of different ground water abstraction structures in a planned
way. Keeping in view of the copious rainfall received in the district, rainwater
harvesting through various means should be popularized in the district. In sloping
terrain; rainwater may be harvested in the ponds coated with impervious polythene
sheets etc. for utilizing the water for various purposes.
Table 1 Summarized results of the exploration conducted by C.G.W.B. in Kamrup
district

Sl. Location Depth (m) Zones Zones SWL Yield DD T P S Remarks

No. encountered tapped (mbgl) (lpm) (m) (m2/d) (m/d)
Drilled Const (m)
. (m)
1 Sakhati 181.5 143.0 19-21 30m 5.92 120 2.76 41 0.54 -
E.W. 44-48
25o57′15″
57-59
91o 04′ 00″
69-77
80-88
108-116
119-127
132-181.50
2 Chalkata 101.9 98.0 8-10 33 m 7.03 394 11.5 41 0.97 - Bed rock
E.W 17-21 4 Fresh
granite
25o56′10″ 25-30 encounter
91o 06′ 30″ 39-53 ed
60-68
75-86
88-97
3 Jogipara 189.1 93.0 6-9 27 m 4.15 749 2 21 46 Do
E.W.

-4
27-40

8.6X10
26o 02′ 00″ 43-52
,
67-92
91o 05′ 15″
183-189
4 Borgaon 120.7 100.0 23-26 17 m 4.5 492 Do
E.W. 41-47
(Singra)
45-57
25o57′09″ ,
61-64
91o 09′ 58″
69-79
85-88
95-98
5 Rani E.W. 200.25 200.0 13-90 39 m 4.75
26o 02′ 42″ 93-98
91o 34′ 30″ 148-160
170-187
194-200
6 Chaygaon 201.3 158.0 0-18 49 m 2.12 225 2.23 866 14
E.W. 64-82
26o04′00″ ,
85-92
91o 24′ 08″
97-102
105-112
116-120
123-126
132-146
151-156
7 Garigaon 201.3 192.0 25-35 31 m 5.15 435 2.01 564 16
E.W. 45-49
26o09′00″,
60-66
91o 39′ 30″
83-86
119-123
174-179
186-189
8 Sonapur 73.6 69.0 13-16 12 m 2.55 50 8.06 68 1.4 Bed rock
E.W. encounter

-4
23-26

8 X10
26o07′00″ ed
52-66
91o 58′ 02″
66-71

9 Khetri 93.5 82.0 0-6 18m 1.95 1336 16.3 89.31 3.44
E.W. 44-52 9
26o07′30″ ,
58-63
92o 07′ 00″
68-81
10 Khanapara 72.0 71.0 5.5-18 15 m 3.6 140 - - - A.C.
E.W. 27.5-36.5
20o08′24″ ,
55-72
91o 49′ 24″
11 Rangamati 180.45 98.0 39-51 28 m 4.33 197 0.34 2023 51

-4
E.W. 69-97

1.8 X10
26o05′08″ ,
143-146
91o 31′ 04″

12 Fakirtola 94.00 81.0 13-59 24 m 1.14 490 - - - A.C.

E.W. 59-64
(Hajo)
26o13′00″ ,
91o 31′ 27″
13 Sualkuchi 62.50 62.0 50-62.50 6m 25
E.W.
26o09′55″,
91o 34′ 10″
14 Dumuni- 219.45 168.0 54 m 0.6 3239 8.95 742.8 -3
chowki
2.17 X 10
E.W.
26o20′30″,
91o 49′ 00″
15 Rangia 306.39 156.0 6-44 54 m 0.92 1876 4.28 4947 41
E.W. 52-58
26o27′ 45″
63-96
,
101-130
91 36′ 45″
o

133-154
158-198
207216
230-240
256-298
16 Muktapur 195.90 167.0 31-37 51 m 0.36 904 2.84 6162 59
-
3.38 X 10

E.W. 71-101
4

126-150
159-165
17 Circuit 68.75 57.0 21-27 22 m 10.06 674 1.66 1637 44
House, 30-47
Guwahati 50-56
E.W.
26 11′31″ ,
o

91o 45′ 06″

18 Adagodam 305.41 Casin Treatment at 10 140 - - - - Hard
 E.W. g depth Rock
26o08′50″, 14.55 159m
91o 44′ 38″ 165m
177.5-180.5m
19 Goreswar 159.90 - - - - - - - - S.H.
E.W.
26o31′ 00″,
91o 43′ 00″
20 Boko 106.70 31.80 - 9m 3.17 603 1.75 1355 89 - Deposit
E.W. Well
26o00′00″,
91o 14′ 00″
21 Chang- 192.98 187.0 - 36 m 0.54 40 18.3 4.20 - Abandone
sari E.W. 3 d
26o19′45″ ,
91o 40′ 09″
22 RBI 53.80 53.50 - 21 m 0.92 44 9.50 0.60 - - Deposit
Colony, Well
Geetanag
ar
23 Science 55.55 54.50 12.70-28 12 m 3.38 143 11.3 16.24 0.67 Do
Museum 31-34 2
Khanapara 46-55
24 Jambari 89.55 64.0 - 15 m 1.60 492 - - - -
(EW)
25 Jambari 64.60 62.0 - 39 – 43 1.60 492 - - - -
(OW) 59 – 61
26 Bamuni- 87.85 81.0 - 32 – 44 1.64 492 - - - -
gaon 53-57
( EW ) 73-77
27 Bamuni- 80.50 77.0 - 38 – 42 - - - - - -
gaon 54 – 55.5
( OW ) 74 - 75.5
28 Dhupguri 92.70 89.0 - 46 – 49 8.0 383 - - - -
( EW ) 67 -76

29 Dhupguri 88.40 86.0 - 47 - 48 - - - - - -

( OW ) 70 - 74

30 Gohalkona 53.10 53.0 - 32 – 41 2.10 383 - - - -

( EW ) 44 - 50

31 Gohalkona 51.66 50.0 - 35 – 38 2.0 492

( OW ) 45 - 48

32 Raipara 80.15 80.0 - 47 – 53 _

( EW ) 65 - 77

33 Sakhadari 92.35 81.0 - 33 - 37 12 433

( EW ) 52 - 58
72 - 78
34 Sakhadari 80.5 79.0 - 34.5 – 36 -
( OW ) 55 - 57
75 - 77

Plate
Plate-I
PlateII