Samanpreet KaurThakur, Bhavana2021-10-262021-10-262021Thakur, Bhavana (2021). Evaluation of Geostatistical Techniques for Mapping of Groundwater Levels (Unpublished M.Tech. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810177323Groundwater level mapping, using robust and scientifically planned monitoring network, is vital to elucidate the groundwater behavior and identify groundwater vulnerable regions. In Punjab, the role of monitoring networks has not received proper attention and many of the observation wells have become defunct over time or at places they are irregularly located. The present study aims to accurately map the groundwater levels of Punjab and different sub-regions i.e. Majha, Malwa and Doaba. To achieve this, geostatistical techniques, kriging (ordinary kriging) and co-kriging with semi-variogram model (exponential, gaussian, circular, spherical etc.) were evaluated, based on the statistical error parameters (ME, RMS, MSE, ASE, RMSSE and Im). It was found that the most suitable geostatistical model for interpolating hydraulic head data was gaussian model with ordinary kriging, both for Punjab as a single unit and considering different regions i.e. Majha, Malwa and Doaba. Long term behaviour of groundwater levels (1998-2018) indicate an average fall rate of 47.2 cm/year. The study also examined the adequacy of existing monitoring network of 2018 for Punjab State and proposed eighteen locations for removal of redundant wells, without any significant increase in the standard prediction error and statistical error parameters. About 237 locations for installation of new wells were proposed in the region which would reduce the overall RMS value from 7.91 to 6.1. The results of the study can be used for planners and policy makers to improve the understanding of groundwater resources in the region.EnglishThesis