Paper submitted for National Seminar on Bauxites at Andhra University (17-19 July 2009)

Hydrogeological Status of Bagru Pat Bauxite mines in Jharkhand

1 2
BIJAY SINGH and PRADEEP KUMAR ORAON
1
University Department of Geology (DST- FIST Sponsored), Ranchi University, Ranchi - 834008, Jharkhand.
2
UGC Rajiv Gandhi National Fellow, Ranchi University, Ranchi - 834008, Jharkhand.
Email: 1bsingh6029@gmail.com, 2pradeeporaon@gmail.com

Abstract: The area under investigation is underlain by the Chhotanagpur Granite

Gneissic Complex. This is overlain by a varying profile of Bauxite, Laterite,
Lithomarge and China-Clay. The thickness of the weathered profile varies from 4.0
to 12m thick b. g. l. Depth of water table varies from 34.45 to 55.93m b. g. l. In parts
of Bagru-Bhusar plateau of Lohardaga is mainly drained by the South Koel and
Sankh River and its tributaries. From the groundwater exploration point of view the
area is divided into a two distinct hydrogeological units massive crystalline rocks
unsuitable for groundwater development and thick zone of weathered rocks with rich
laterites is suitable for ground water development highly required for domestic as
well as irrigation purposes. There is good scope for Ground Water development
through deep bore well in this region. The bauxite exploration comprises is taking
several measures for ground water recharging through the rainwater harvesting
ponds, reservoirs and to controlling measures for soil erosion through plantation.

Keywords: Hydrogeology, Ground Water, Well inventory, Bauxite, Chhotanagpur

Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC), Bagru-Bhusar.

INTRODUCTION
The plateau comprises in three distinct units Bagru, Bhusar and Hisri sections are parts of
Kisko block of Lohardaga district where mining operations are in progress. The study area is located
at about 15 km NW of Lohardaga district headquarters and about 85 km west of Ranchi. The bauxite
mining sites are connected by a metalled road up to Bagru village and with black topped road from
Bagru to and Lohardaga and to Ranchi. It lies between Latitudes 230 28’ 15” N and 230 29’ 30” N and
Longitudes 84035’16” E and 84036’30” E falling in the Survey of India Toposheet No. 73A/11. The
lease hold area of HINDALCO measures 214.57 ha. area on the plateau top with elevations ranging
from 1038m and 1057m above m. s. l. The area is characterised by flat topped plateau to undulating
plain with moderate slopes.
Lohardaga district consisting of 5 blocks i.e. Kuru, Bhandra, Kisko (study area), Senha and
Lohardaga is mainly famous for its bauxite explorationwhich are found in Bagru group of mines,
Pakharpat, Garhpat, Dhudhapat and several other mines.
A number of first order streams emanate on either side of the plateau carrying maximum run-
off during monsoon season only for a short duration.
Besides the previous studies, based on the geological mapping of the area by the Geological
Survey of India and detailed exploration of the Plateau area by INDAL during the last more than six

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decades in connection with its mining activities, recently an electrical resistivity surveys were carried
out at Bagru mines for groundwater by Geo Exploration Services (Sharma, 1994). A total of thirteen
shallow Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) in the area probing six sites at Hisri, two sites at Daldalia
nala and five sites at Bhusar have been undertaken. Only one site suitable for drilling up to 120 -
130m depth b. g. l. at Hisri with expected yield of 2000 - 3000 l. p. h. has been identified. In Bhusar
area five VES were carried out including the site at HINDALCO quarters (previously INDAL) and all
the points were found suitable up to about 100 m depth b. g. l. with expected yield of more than 2000
l. p. h. The study reveals the present groundwater conditions, scope of exploration and management
through hydrogeological and hydrological evaluation.

DRAINAGE AND PHYSIOGRAPHIC PATTERN

The district Lohardaga falls in Chhotanagpur Plateau. The district is bounded by Latehar and
Chandwa at the North, Ghagra and Sisai at the South, Bero and Chanho at the East and Bishunpur and
Garu blocks at the West. The average height of the district is 636 meter from the m. s. l. whereas the
maximum height at Bagru Complex (1057m).

Fig.1. Drainage Pattern of Lohardaga District

The area is mainly drained by the South Koel River and its tributaries although some portions
are also drained by North Koel and Sankh rivers and their tributaries Bhagat and Adyalkar (1981),

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Verma (1982). Some perennial nallas are also here which are more pronounced in rainy season, e.g.
from highland in the west of Jamun Toli village at Bagru area a perennial nala flows towards NW-WS
direction and the water remains throughout the year. The general slope of the district is NE-SW. The
existent nallas only helps to drain out rain water during monsoons. However, several nallas originates
from the slopes of these hills and flow down into the valley. These small nallas combine as they flows
into the valley/plains and forms perennial streams known locally as Phuljhar Nalla, Bakri Nalla,
Banki Nalla, Sukri River, Shankh River and Kisko River etc. However, hilltop remains very dry so
much so that even during the rainy season, it is difficult to find water on the hill top even a couple of
hours after it has stopped raining. Rainwater doesn’t infiltrate deep down in area due to the existence
of lithomarge and clay below the bauxite. All rain water percolate down to the escarpment slopes and
falling to the valleys below. Thus the water table on the hill tops is at quite great depth.

Most of the water courses originating in the hilly terrain extending from the south-western
parts of the area to the eastern and north-western parts have water table varying from 680 - 720m
above m. s. l. (Fig.6). These water courses are perennial although the flow during summer months is
quite small. Hence, it can be safely concluded that water table in the hilly areas is at a level of 680 m.
s. l. or higher even during the dry season. The hilly terrain of the area forms the originating drainage
system of several rivers/nallas of the area such as Auranga, Jori, Dhandhari Nalla etc. The water table
in the plains and valley below the hills varies from 665 - 640m above m. s. l. The area experiences
sub-tropical climate where temperature ranges from 430 - 440C in hot summer and it cools to about 80 -
200 C in winter. The average annual rainfall is about 1300 - 1400mm. The seasonal variations in
humidity are: -
Table 1.
Humidity %
Season Maximum Minimum
Summer 69 55
Pre-Monsoon 93 68
Post- Monsoon 70 50
Winter 71 52

REMOTE SENSING STUDIES

The satellite imagery IRS-IA LISS-II path- Row 022/51 of date 15th October 1988 and IRS-
IIB-2 of 20th March 1993 pertaining to the area (73 A/ IA) available with INDAL formed the basis of
remote sensing studies. Other than this Landsat 7 ETM+7 22nd November 2006 and Landsat 5TM 12th
October 1988 were used to interpret for delineation of the lineaments and the land use/land cover
mapping. The lineaments delineated are shown in Fig.4 and Fig.6. It may be noted that the higher
frequency of occurrence of these lineaments is encountered in the south central part of plateau. This
may result into favourable conditions for the ground water occurrence in south-east of Daldalia water

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reservoir. One lineament traverses the entire plateau from south to north and three E - W running
linear features run in the southern half of the plateau. Two lineaments SE - NW and SW - NE are
running also in the southern part of the plateau causing higher structural deformations favourable for
ground water occurrence around these features.
The land cover which has continuously been changing had the vegetation in the fringe belts
all around, except in few patches in the north, south - east and central north - west. The fallow land
occurs in the central parts of the plateau running from north to south west. The conical extension in
the extreme west of Hisri block is also seen fallow. The water bodies on the plateau have developed in
the eastern part of the Bagru block and south eastern part of Bhusar mines besides the Daldalia water
reservoir. Moist fallow lands are demarcated in the vicinity of these water bodies. While the dumped
material is encountered in the west central and north - eastern parts of Bagru block, the dense forest is
seen only in the north - eastern pocket of Hisri mines.

Fig. 2. Satellite Imagery of Bauxite deposits of Lohardaga district

GEOLOGICAL SETTINGS
The area is underlain by Chhotanagpur granite gneissic complex (CGGC) of Archean age
which occurs as large batholitic masses and forms the basement rock. On weathering of these rocks
laterites, bauxite and kaolinites are formed during recent and sub-recent age. The Chhotanagpur
granite gneisses are represented by biotite hornblende gneiss and biotite hornblende granite and are
intruded by aplite, pegmatite and quartz veins which are emplaced in fracture within the parent rocks.

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These often show chilling and alteration effects at the contact. Dey (1944), Mukherjee, (1966-67),
Roy Choudhury (1965),
The general geological succession is as given below:
Table 2.
Age Formation
Recent to Sub-recent Soil
Laterite and Bauxite
Lithomarge
Kaolinite
-------------------------Unconformity---------------------
Archean Chhotanagpur Granite Gneisses

Fig.3. Geological Map around Bagru, Lohardaga

The granites and gneisses show moderate to well pronounce vertical to sub vertical foliations
generally trending in NW - SE directions. Joints parallel to foliations are common in gneissic rocks.
The major sets of joints are N - S, E - W, NW - SE and NNE - SSW dipping 600 - 800.
The presence of joints, foliations and fracture promotes extensive weathering of the tabular
land mass. Due to residual weathering and geochemical leaching of weathered rock laterite, bauxite
and kaolinite have been developed. The laterite is cemented by ferruginous and aluminous stiff
substance. The bauxite is associated with laterite and there is no dividing line between bauxite and
laterite has been found. The thickness of laterite varies from 5 to 20m. The transitional zone between

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bauxite and kaolinite is called lithomarge and its thickness varies from 4 to 5m. The thickness of
kaolinite varies between 8 and 10m. Julka (1990), Guha, (1967).
80
0m

80 80
0m 0m

1000m

10
00
m
80 10
0m 0

1000m
0m

0m
80
1000m

0m
80
Fig.4. Lineation pattern of Bagru-Bhusar Fig.5. Contour Map of Bagru-Bhusar-section

HYDROGEOLOGY
Hydrogeologically the area is underlain by consolidated formations characterised by presence
of secondary porosity viz. fissures, fractures, joints and zone of weathering. Generally, these features
do not occur uniformly on an extensive scale and also not to great depth and so do not usually contain
large and extensive ground water reservoir. However, the favourable geological, geomorphic and
hydro meteorological conditions around Bagru-Bhusar-Hisri section help to form considerable ground
water storage beneath the plateau. The Hydrogeological map of the area is presented in Fig.6.

Fig. 6. Hydrogeological Map Fig.7. Litholog of Bagru - Bhusar

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The area being paleopeneplain flat topped elevated plateau and receiving good rainfall is more
susceptible to weathering process. The depth of weathering even goes up to 120m below ground level
and it is important from the point of ground water storage as it forms a good repository for ground
water. Apart from this it also helps in circulating ground water to deeper fracture systems of
underlying hard rocks.
The weathered profile in the area begins with a fresh host rock at the bottom and progresses
upward to: -
(a) Fractured and fissured rocks having low porosity but moderate permeability in fracture
system.
(b) Semi-weathered rocks of thickness between 50 - 70m having low porosity and appreciable
permeability.
(c) Bauxites and Laterites up to 20m thickness having high porosity and moderate permeability.
(d) Massive clay laterites known as kaolinites and lithomarge up to 30m thickness with porosity
but low permeability.
The groundwater stored in weathered rock is intermittently replaced by direct infiltration from
rainfall the weathered layer tends to be discontinuous both laterally and vertically and the plateau is
bisected by steep scarps. All recharge is of local origin and not supplied by some distant sources the
amount of recharge to groundwater in weathered rock depends on total rainfall; intensity and duration
of individual rain storm and evapotrsnpiration which is a function of altitude and temperature.
Table 3. Salient Features of Existing Bore wells
Sl. Well Reduced level Total depth Casing Water Water Discharge
No. No. of surface m. drilled Used struck at level M3/hr during
above m.s.l. m.b.g.l. m.b.g.l m.b.g.l. m.b.g.l. drilling

1 HS-1 1038.89 93.94 67.05 73.00 34.95 4.00

2 HS-2 1039.18 103.50 64.61 74.84 34.45 2.00
3 BG-1 1039.61 125.25 48.76 79.61 48.00 1.7
4 BG-2 1036.85 108.28 45.72 58.91 55.93 4.6
5 BH-1 1050.32 98.70 47.24 93.94 52.57 1.5
6 BH2 1051.80 98.70 54.86 70.00 -- 1.5
7 BH-3 1053.63 118.78 54.86 95.54 55.34 1.5
8 BH-4 1054.22 111.14 54.38 76.43 39.62 4.5
9 BH-5 1048.54 125.35 59.43 809.17 40.89 1.7
Source: Bagru Hill Bauxite Mines, Lohardaga

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 Though the Indian Aluminium Company limited is exploiting groundwater to meet their
partial requirement since 1995, the changes in ground water level with time have not been monitored
properly.
The record of water level data is an important link for the planned ground water exploitation
of any terrain and in the absence of such data planning and design of the well field gets handicapped
to a great extent. However, considering the urgency of meeting the water requirement, INDAL has
drilled few production bore wells within their lease area. Most of the bore wells drilled down to a
depth range of 93 - 125m b. g. l. taped the weathered zone and semi-weathered rocks. The salient
features of the bore wells are presented in Table 3.

WATER QUALITY
A perusal of the results show that ground water quality from bore wells is neutral in reaction
(pH varying from 7.0 to 7.5, TDS 187.4 to 215.2, Chlorides 14.3 to 21.8, Iron, Chromium, Mercury
and Aluminium are less than 0.01 mg/l and free from Fluoride and Arsenic). The chemical quality of
ground water at Bagru mines is generally good and suitable for drinking cum domestic purpose. The
results from surface water quality of harvesting pond found as pH 7.1, TDS 215.2, Hardness 76.1,
Alkalinity 36.2, Sodium 12.5, Chloride 42.8, Sulphate 22.5, Nitrate 0.8 etc. The surface water is
potable for plantation and vegetation purpose. The waste water is generated from the domestic uses 90
m3/day is treated in Sewage Treatment Plant and utilized for dust suppression and greenbelt
development.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

From the above study and features of existing bore well conditions (Table 3), it has been
observed that Groundwater occurs under unconfined to semi-confined beds. Casing has been provided
down up to a depth range between 45.72 and 67.05m b.g.l. Thickness of clay formation sequences is
highest at HISRI followed by BHUSAR and BAGRU. The yield of the wells during drilling varied
from 1.5 to 4.6m3/hr. The depth of piezometric surface varies from 34.45 to 55.93m b. g. l. The
seasonal fluctuations of water level have not been established with accurate rate due to which the total
replenishable groundwater resource cannot be assessed. The Ground water quality of the bore well is
found good and is potable for drinking, domestic as well as vegetation purpose. Water from bore well
is treated in Seawage treatment plant used for plantation,

CONCLUSION
On the basis of Hydrographic surveys through dug wells and limited bore wells data the area
exhibits a significant hydrogeological status. Although the water table levels vary considerably in
various mining sections, the aquifer characteristics within the basement rocks are typically suitable for
water recharge. It is found that an integrated water harvesting measures is highly suitable for this

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ancient mining area which has great resource potential of bauxites, laterites, china - clay in the present
areas. A detailed hydrogeological investigation is required to plan any further development in these
mining areas in terms of the water requirement. The ground water quality from bore wells and surface
water from harvesting pond is found potable for drinking, domestic as well as vegetation purpose
especially for greenbelt development and dust suppression.

Acknowledgements: The present study comprises a part of the Ph. D. research work being carried out
by Mr. Pradeep Kr. Oraon at the University Department of Geology, Ranchi University, Ranchi.
Financial help under the Rajiv Gandhi National fellowship scheme awarded by the U.G.C. is
thankfully acknowledged. The authors are grateful to Prof. D.K. Bhattacharya, Head of the University
Department of Geology, Ranchi University, Ranchi for motivation and discussion. Thanks are also
due to Mr. Himadri Banerjee, Vice president of Minerals, HINDALCO, Kolkata for his kind
permission and Mr. M. M. Mitra, G.M., Bagru Mines and his team at Bagru especially Mr. Nilanjan
Dey & Mr. Ranjan Saha who constantly provided sincere assistance during field visit.
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