Author: Rinchen Penjor
Penjor, Rinchen, 2025 Groundwater potential zonation in Sarpang District, Bhutan, using geographic information system, remote sensing, and the analytical hierarchy process, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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Globally, groundwater is gaining importance as surface water sources decline due to climate change and overexploitation. In Bhutan, despite the perceived abundance of surface water, seasonal shortages, drying sources, and limited infrastructure highlight the need for alternative resources such as groundwater. However, comprehensive groundwater assessments are limited. The purpose of this study is to overcome that gap by using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis approach, combining GIS, Remote Sensing and the Analytical Hierarchy Process to delineate groundwater potential zones in Sarpang District. The analysis indicates high recharge potential in southern Sarpang, which is consistent with Electrical Resistivity Tomography test results at two out of three test sites, supporting the effectiveness of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a preliminary and cost-efficient tool. Still, the approach depends heavily on expert judgment and generalized datasets, which may limit the accuracy of the results. Field-based validation is therefore essential for ensuring the reliability of results and guiding sustainable groundwater development, especially in light of large-scale initiatives such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which is expected to drive significant population growth, urban expansion and increased water demand. Such developments require reliable groundwater assessments to ensure sustainable resource management and long-term water security.
Keywords: Groundwater potential, GIS, Analytical Hierarchy Process, Bhutan
Subject: Water Resources Management thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2025
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: Okke Batelaan