Assessment of the capability of SWAT model to predict surface runoff in open cast coal mining areas

The hydrological response of watersheds affected by large-scale coal mining activities is complex and difficult to simulate. The present study aims to bridge this gap by simulating the effects of land-use and topographical changes due to coal mining on surface runoff in the Jamunia basin of Jharkhand, India. The derivatives of digital elevation model (DEM) have been used to simulate the changes in topography of the study area and the runoff has been calculated using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model. The study results revealed significant increase in surface runoff (mm) during the simulation period. The findings of this study established that unplanned mining activities can reduce the water holding capacity of downstream reservoirs and increase the runoff. The outcome of the study will be helpful for mine planners to design sustainable mining operations which will have less adverse impact on the hydrological regime of the watershed.