The Pan Asia Africa Online Global training on “Using GIS tools to Locate and Plan Recharge Options for Sustainability of Drinking water in Rural Areas”, was conducted for students, researchers, volunteers, professionals and academicians of Asia and Africa continent. The training focused on sustainable groundwater management, its augmentation through recharge and application of GIS tools to plan the recharge structures. GIS is a decision making tool especially for rain water harvesting and groundwater recharge, which analyses and locates the potentials for recharge. The application of GIS softwares maps the existing resources and plans for the potential areas where recharge can be planned to augment the groundwater to meet the water demands in a sustainable way.
The training offered insights towards principles of watershed management, concept of recharge, basics of hydrogeology and properties and behaviours of aquifers, and application of GIS softwares with introduction to some open source softwares like QGIS, Google Earth Pro etc. The participants were interested to learn the mapping techniques using softwares and analysing the terrain, hydrogeology, aquifers and other parameters required for watershed interventions. The training also focused on hands on practice for GIS softwares and preparation of different thematic maps which can be overlayed and decisions for planning of structures can be taken.
The combination of participants from different geographical locations enhanced the quality of training, as issues pertaining in different locations were discussed. There was also a good communication through moodle in the form of discussion, where the participants exchanged their ideas, knowledge and experiences. The discussion led to a cross learning environment, and enriched the training programme. There is a demand from the participants, for further trainings on same topic, with more direct engagement, and hands on learning for different softwares to plan for water management technologies.
Share this article