recharge shaft was designed and constructed following best practices tailored to hard rock conditions,

incorporating features such as silt traps and casing to ensure functionality and longevity. Post-monsoon

groundwater monitoring demonstrated a measurable rise in water levels and improved availability, highlighting

the technical success of the intervention. The active involvement of the Gram Panchayat and community in

maintenance and ownership proved critical for sustainability. This case study provides valuable insights and a

replicable model for rural water supply enhancement in similar drought-prone and geologically challenging

regions, contributing to the broader goals of groundwater sustainability and rural water security.

Keywords- Community Water Management, Groundwater Recharge, Hard Rock Hydrogeology, Public Water

Supply, Recharge Shaft

In this context, strengthening existing water sources through scientifically designed recharge interventions has

become a critical need. One such intervention is the recharge shaft, a vertical structure that facilitates direct

infiltration of surface water into deeper aquifers. Recharge shafts are particularly effective in hard rock terrains,

where natural recharge is limited due to low permeability. When properly sited and constructed, these structures

can significantly improve the sustainability of public water supply borewells by enhancing the groundwater

availability around the source.

Despite the growing use of recharge shafts in rural water management programs, there exists a notable gap in

comprehensive documentation of their end-to-end implementation—right from site selection based on

hydrogeological suitability, through construction and monitoring, to the eventual handover to local governing

bodies such as Gram Panchayats. Most studies tend to focus on the technical specifications or performance

The scope of this study encompasses all phases of the project: initial planning and site assessment, design and

construction of the recharge shaft, performance monitoring, and formal handover to the concerned Gram

Panchayat. By documenting this comprehensive process, the study aims to serve as a practical reference for

engineers, geologists, and local governance institutions involved in rural water resource management.

To strengthen rural public water supply sources by implementing recharge shafts through a comprehensive, site-

specific, and participatory approach—spanning from geological site selection to final handover to the concerned

Gram Panchayat.

To involve local stakeholders, particularly Gram Panchayats, in the planning, execution, and ownership of the

recharge shaft infrastructure.

To present a detailed, step-by-step case study of the entire implementation process—from site selection,

construction, and monitoring to final handover—serving as a replicable model for rural water source

strengthening.

The present study was conducted in Shetphal Village, situated in Mohol Taluka of Solapur District, in the state

of Maharashtra, India. Shetphal lies approximately 60 km east of Solapur city, and geographically, it is located

at approximately 17.78° N latitude and 75.57° E longitude. The village falls within the semi-arid zone of the

Deccan Plateau, an area frequently impacted by droughts and groundwater stress, making it a suitable site for

rapid moisture loss from soil and shallow aquifers.

Shetphal falls under the hard rock terrain of the Deccan Traps, comprising predominantly vesicular and massive

basalt formations. These formations have low primary porosity, and groundwater occurs mainly in secondary

porosity features such as weathered zones, fractures, and joints. The aquifer system is typically unconfined to

semi-confined, with shallow water levels ranging from 5 to 20 meters below ground level, depending on the

season and usage. Due to limited natural recharge and high extraction, the water table has shown a declining

trend over the years, especially during pre-monsoon periods.

dependency, and significant socio-economic stress during dry spells.

Figure 1 Study area location map

community need, and technical feasibility. The presence of depleted aquifers, fractured basaltic terrain, and

available land near existing borewells made it an ideal candidate for a vertical recharge structure. Moreover, the

active involvement of the Gram Panchayat and community readiness ensured local support for long-term

maintenance and monitoring. The project was also intended to serve as a demonstration model for other villages

facing similar water scarcity challenges in Solapur and neighboring districts.

This detailed understanding of Shetphal's physical, hydrogeological, and socio-economic context establishes the

foundation for evaluating the impact and replicability of recharge shaft interventions in hard rock rural settings.

This section outlines the systematic approach adopted for the implementation of the recharge shaft in Shetphal

Village, Mohol Taluka, Solapur District, aimed at strengthening the public water supply source through managed

Fracture zone identification through field observation and mapping of nearby functional and non-functional

borewells, assessing their depths and yield characteristics.

Depth to water table was reviewed for both pre- and post-monsoon seasons to determine seasonal variations and

potential recharge benefits.

To confirm subsurface suitability for groundwater recharge, a Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey was

carried out using resistivity methods. The objectives of the geophysical study were:

To identify fractured basalt zones and weathered layers with higher transmissivity.

To estimate depth to bedrock and determine saturation zones below the water table.

To avoid clay-dominant or low-permeability zones that could impede infiltration.

Depth: 15 to 20 meters (reaching the fractured/weathered basalt layer)

Casing: RCC or HDPE pipe installed to maintain shaft integrity

Recharge pit: Constructed adjacent to the shaft (dimensions: approx. 2.5 m × 2.5 m × 2 m) to collect surface

runoff

Filter media: Sequential layers of boulders (20–40 mm), gravels (5–20 mm), coarse sand (1–5 mm), and charcoal

were filled in the pit to remove silt and organic impurities

Silt trap chamber: Installed at the inlet of the recharge pit to prevent clogging and ensure effective filtration

Connectivity: The shaft was placed strategically near the borewell, ensuring induced recharge through lateral

seepage in the aquifer system.

Construction activities were carried out under technical supervision, ensuring quality control of materials and

Solapur District and similar geological settings, offering a scalable solution to groundwater depletion challenges

faced by many Gram Panchayats across Maharashtra.

The study identified certain limitations, including vulnerability to clogging from high silt loads during

unusually heavy rains, which necessitates regular and timely maintenance. Additionally, recharge efficiency

varied with the intensity and distribution of monsoon rainfall, highlighting the dependence on seasonal climatic

factors.

Future implementations should consider enhanced silt management designs, such as larger or multiple silt traps,

and incorporate community-led monitoring protocols for early detection of performance decline. Integration

effective community engagement, and institutional ownership were key factors in the project's success. The

findings contribute valuable practical insights for similar rural water security initiatives in hard rock terrains,

emphasizing the critical role of participatory groundwater recharge for sustainable water resource management.

ownership, enhances accountability, and ensures that the intervention continues to contribute effectively to

strengthening the public water supply system.

Prior to the official handover, comprehensive documentation is compiled and provided to the Gram Panchayat.

This includes detailed technical reports, as-built drawings of the recharge shaft and associated components, and

a maintenance manual outlining routine upkeep procedures and troubleshooting guidelines.

Simultaneously, capacity-building sessions and community awareness programs are conducted for Gram

A joint inspection is conducted involving the project implementation team, hydrogeologists, and representatives

from the Gram Panchayat. This inspection verifies the structural integrity, functional performance, and

Following the handover, the Gram Panchayat assumes full responsibility for the routine maintenance,

monitoring, and operation of the recharge shaft. This includes regular inspection and cleaning of the silt trap,

ensuring unobstructed infiltration, and recording groundwater level observations to assess continued recharge

effectiveness.

To strengthen local governance and community involvement, the establishment of a dedicated user committee

or water management group is encouraged. This committee serves as a focal point for coordination, grievance

redressal, and awareness-raising activities related to the recharge infrastructure.

assistance, and performance evaluations at regular intervals.

maintain trust. Continuous capacity building and participatory monitoring foster adaptive management, ensuring

shaft installation.

Design and Planning:

Prepare detailed technical designs and specifications for recharge shaft construction, including dimensions,

materials, filter media, and silt trap configurations, tailored to the local hard rock geology of Shetphal.

Supervision and Quality Control:

Oversee the construction process to ensure compliance with technical standards and project specifications;

conduct periodic inspections and quality assurance tests during the construction phase.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Implement groundwater monitoring protocols before and after recharge shaft commissioning to evaluate