Geophysical surveys as aid to urban evaluation in the Vidyadhar Nagar
area adjacent to Jaipur city, Rajasthan, have been conducted. DC resis
tivity surveys over area covered by sand and dunes indicated the prese
nce of a moderately thick surface layer underlain by a potable aquifer
zone of substantial thickness over quartzite bedrock of even topograp
hy deepening towards southwest. The results of the magnetic survey sho
w, in general, normal structural behaviour barring a high in the south
west part of the area. The high is explained as due to an intrusive fe
ature at a considerable depth, hence inconsequential for town planning
. Subsequently, Jaipur Development Authority has undertaken construct
ion of urban complex with a high rise structure in the area. The paper
presents the geophysical results along with chemical analysis of grou
nd water and computer studies. The soundings reveal the suitability of
the area for urbanisation, considering the presence of moderately thi
ck surface horizon underlain by a promising aquifer formed over the qu
artzite bedrock of even topography and disposition. The order of the r
esistivity obtained and the chemical composition of ground water show
the ground water to be of good quality for drinking purpose.