125 1. Operational Disruption due to Flooding: • Flooding of bottom most seam i.e. Turra Seam of the mine, as a result difficulty in extraction of coal. • Increased rainfall from shifting monsoon patterns has led to frequent flooding in some of the mines, particularly during the peak monsoon months (June to September). This flooding not only damages equipment but also halts operations for extended periods. This results in reduced coal supply to thermal power plants. 2. Geotechnical and Safety Hazards: Open-cast mines face the additional risk of rain cuts, slope failure etc due to heavy rains. The excavation of large volumes of material leaves the mine slopes unstable, and a few intense monsoon showers can trigger landslides that further delay production and increase safety risks for workers. 3. Infrastructure Vulnerability: Increased rainfall, stronger storms, and flooding can damage mining infrastructure, including haul roads, transportation systems electrical infrastructure etc. For instance, transport routes to mining sites (such as roads or rail lines) are washed out, and the mining pits themselves may be flooded, disrupting operations and leading to costly repairs and prolonged downtime. 6.3 Monsoon pattern 2024 – an indicator of climate change?? The monsoon of 2024 in the Singrauli region has shown clear deviations from typical seasonal patterns, strongly suggesting the growing influence of climate change. Compared to previous years, this season witnessed unusually intense and erratic rainfall, disrupting coal production and dispatch operations across Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL). Despite extensive pre-monsoon planning the sheer volume and unpredictability of rainfall in August 2024 led to the lowest coal production and supply Figure s in the past five years. The sudden, high-intensity downpours overwhelmed water management infrastructure, impacting mine safety and operational continuity. These weather anomalies, including abrupt rain spells followed by dry periods, highlight a shifting climate dynamic in the region. The 2024 monsoon, with its extreme variability and operational impact, serves as a strong local indicator of climate change and reinforces the urgent need for adaptive and resilient mining strategies in the Singrauli coalfields.
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