Appraisal of groundwater condition in and around Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Raigarh, Chattisgarh - A report by Green Systems

This study by Green Systems, details the groundwater condition at the Jindal  Steel  and Power Limited (JSPL) in Raigarh, Chattisgarh. A major component of the study is to determine the impact of the various water storage and harvesting structures on the groundwater regime of the area. By using a variety of scientific methods which include remote sensing and satellite maps, it is concluded that these structures have improved the groundwater regime in the area.

The study is broken into 5 chapters, these are:

Introduction

The JSPL plant draws 1200 m3/hr of raw water from the Kelo river through a 11 km long pipeline, it also draws 400 m3/hr for other purposes. It was seen that there was a decline in groundwater and therefore in 2003, artificial recharge was implemented. The plant is an integrated steel plant with its own captive coal mines and coal washery, captive iron ore mines and captive power plants. The project area increased from 800 acres to 1800 acres.

Interestingly, the introduction of the report also states that more than 70% of the area is paved and rest of the area is under a green belt. A number of maps give the exact location of the plant.

Geo-morphology and land use

The physiography of site of the JSPL plant consists of sandstone, shale, siltstone, limestone and coal seams. A geo-morphological map provided indicates the presence of structural hills, pediment and dissected pediplain. Though it is mentioned that no remarkable change has occurred in the geomorphic set up and topography, there has been a change in morpho-metric arrangement and natural drainage of the area, due to leveling of the ground.

This section also states that the land was initially agricultural land but limited agriculture was practiced. The layout of the entire site is explained here along with the utilisation of land for different processes in the plant.

Climate and rainfall

This chapter analyses rainfall data given for the period between 2004 and 2008, both years included. The plant's rainwater harvesting system has been based on the average rainfall of 1340 mm.

Appraisal of groundwater condition

The hydrogeological map of the area is given. It is found that the area is suitable for dug wells and shallow bore wells. The water found in different rock formations like Raigarh formation, Chhattisgarh super group and the transmissivity value of Gondwana sandstone is also given. The depth levels of water in different areas is provided via a table, also the variance of water levels in the dry season and post monsoon is provided.

Observations and conclusion

The report concludes that there has been an improvement in the groundwater condition of the area. This is not only because of the water harvesting structures but also because of the water storage tanks built by JSPL from which water could be percolating into the aquifer.

Download the report here: