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Land conversion from permeable to non-permeable built-up areas has declined the volume of water that infiltrates into the ground by 8.68 million cubic meters per year (MCM/year) in 2020 and is projected to decline by 7.55 MCM/year in 2030. In 20 years, i.e., from 2010 to 2030, 16.23 MCM/year loss has been estimated (Table 4). The decline in groundwater recharge due to the LULC change is also supported by Lamichhane & Shakya (2020) and Pu et al. (2020). Increase in urban areas has resulted in a decrease in groundwater volume at a rate of 284.34 MCM, a deficit of 115.34 MCM (a reduction in the groundwater levels of 0.1 m/year) in Oaxaca, Mexico (Olivares et al. 2019). Urbanization has led to impervious pavement, causing an effect on surface water systems and groundwater recharge. Decline in rainwater infiltration leads to high runoff, peak discharge flow, then urban flood at downstream areas posing threats to life and property (Pataki et al. 2011; Yao et al. 2015). Urbanization along with climate change increases these issues even more seriously.

Table 4

Estimated volume of water recharge in 2010, 2020 and 2030

S.No.AttributesYearsSlope < 30°
Permeable area (km22010 75.25 
2020 65.61 
2030 57.22 
Volume of water recharge (MCM/year) 2010 67.73 
2020 59.05 
2030 51.5 
Deduction (MCM/year) 2010–2020 8.68 
2020–2030 7.55 
2010–2030 16.23 
S.No.AttributesYearsSlope < 30°
Permeable area (km22010 75.25 
2020 65.61 
2030 57.22 
Volume of water recharge (MCM/year) 2010 67.73 
2020 59.05 
2030 51.5 
Deduction (MCM/year) 2010–2020 8.68 
2020–2030 7.55 
2010–2030 16.23 

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