Remote Sensing Studies for Certain Karstic Features of Sonadih Limestone Mining Area in District Baloda Bazaar [CG]

Limestone deposit of Baloda Bazaar [CG] has dual socio-economic importance due to its karstic nature. Firstly, it has been renewable resource for potable ground-water as Aquifer from hydro-geological point of view since its formation. Secondly, it has been non-renewable resource for cement grade limestone [having Ca O content = 42+/- 2 % and Mg O content = 4 %], occurring as surfaced outcrop with great attraction for quarrying activity since the past thirty years. It is likely to be continued in future for sake of localization of cement plants and subsequently clinker production. An attempt has been made in the area of study for scientific identification cum documentation of karstic features through developing Remote Sensing methodology-comparatively advance approach in Geology/Mining Engineering/Civil Engineering discipline. Nine major karstic features have been authentically recorded on the basis of their relationship to geology, hydrology, geo-morphology, vegetation, tectonic and hydro-geology besides quarrying activity, along-with digital interpretation of IRS LISS II data. The evolved methodology has better scope for overall conservation cum optimum extraction of renewable and non-renewable resources in the studied area with full proof example as well as future mile- stone for Indian karstic limestone mining scenario for cement production and related evergreen Construction Industry.