Coal reserves in India are one of the largest in the world. Exploiting this vast potential is necessary for the economic growth of the country. Many times it becomes necessary to divert natural streams for mining the coal available beneath them. Keeping the hydrologic regime of the upstream and downstream of the mining area is a prerequisite for the environmental protection in addition to many other environmental issues. This paper describes the hydrologic and hydraulic prerequisites of diversion of Nalas with a case study of Jitpur coal block in Godda district of Jharkhand. KewariNala is flowing through this mine area, which needs to be diverted. Alignment of the Nala diversion was proposed to be along the western boundary of the coal block. Simulations of the flow in KewariNala were carried out under existing as well as after diversion of Nala using one-dimensional mathematical model, HEC RAS under steady state flow conditions. Based on the analysis of Meteorological data, hydrological data, topographical data and result of model studies it was found that the design parameters of proposed diversion plan of KewariNala in Jitpur coal block is feasible. The diversion channel has been designed so that the water regime under existing and diverted condition for the common reach of KewariNala is undisturbed. Thus, design for diversion of KewariNala along the western boundary of the coal block has been suggested with due care on hydraulic aspects.

Full text: IJEIR-1358_final.pdf