Abstract:
The Jessore district in Bangladesh is facing a critical issue due to saline intrusion in its
southwest coastal area. This research paper presents groundwater vulnerability assessment in
the salinity-affected southwest coastal region of Bangladesh, focusing on the application of the
DRASTIC index method in the Jessore district. Through a mix of field data and remotely
sensing, the paper seeks to assess the groundwater vulnerability in the study area.
The salinity level in the water in Jessore’s Keshabpur upazila was measured at 1430 micro
siemens per centimeter in August 2021, although the tolerated threshold is only thought to be
670 micro siemens, according to authorities with the Bangladesh Agricultural Development
Corporation (BADC). The results also point to a worrying increase in water salinity in the
region, which would exacerbate an already terrible situation. As per BADC Jessore, the salinity
level in the water at Keshabpur was 879 micro siemens per centimeter in 2016. Depending on
the data, Abhaynagar's salinity level has ranged between 900 and 1000 micro siemens per
centimeter during the past five years while Manirampur's salinity level was 1071 micro
siemens per centimeter last year.
The analysis reveals that 1654.91 km2
, or around 64.38 % of the Jessore district is moderately
vulnerable, 31.62% is at high risk. The results of the groundwater vulnerability assessment
revealed that the study area is highly vulnerable to groundwater salinization due to the presence
of shallow aquifers, low recharge, and high permeability. The findings of the study provide
valuable information for the groundwater management authorities to identify and prioritize the
areas of high vulnerability and plan remedial measures accordingly.
