121 Extreme rainfall during the 2024 monsoon resulted in: • Flooding of the bottom-most coal seams, significantly hindering extraction activities • Increased incidence of slope instability, rain cuts, and dump erosion • Damage to haul roads, electrical installations, and dewatering infrastructure • Temporary suspension of mining operations due to safety concerns These impacts collectively contributed to extended downtime and reduced production efficiency. 5. Discussion The results demonstrate that the 2024 monsoon event in the Singrauli region deviated significantly from historical rainfall patterns, both in magnitude and temporal concentration. Despite comprehensive pre-monsoon planning and established drainage infrastructure, the extreme precipitation overwhelmed existing water management systems. The findings suggest that preparedness strategies based on historical rainfall averages are increasingly inadequate under changing climatic conditions. The observed shift towards intense, short-duration rainfall aligns with regional climate change projections and highlights the need for adaptive mine planning frameworks incorporating probabilistic risk assessment and realtime forecasting. 6. Climate Change Implications and Adaptive Strategies 6.1 Monsoon Preparedness in NCL To ensure uninterrupted coal supply to power houses during the monsoon season, NCL undertakes comprehensive and proactive planning. Despite only a slight reduction in coal demand compared to the peak summer season, it is critical to maintain operational efficiency and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Strategic assessments and infrastructure enhancements are carried out in advance to ensure mine safety and sustained coal production. Key Pre-Monsoon Planning Activities 1. Assessment of Catchment Area: A detailed evaluation of the catchment area is performed to understand the inflow of surface runoff during heavy rains. This helps in estimating the volume of water that needs to be managed within and around the mining leasehold. 2. Drainage Planning on Mine Working Layout: A revised mine plan is prepared highlighting the drainage channels and water management infrastructure that will be in place during
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