2.2.6. Limitations and assumptionsEmission inventory study was carried out only during winter season (2015–2016) to know the worst possible particulate matter concentration in the region due to mining activities (CSIR-CIMFR, 2017). This study will be useful to predict the maximum concentration of particulate matter by modelling and the data will be used for greenbelt design and air pollution management. Input data on emission rates from various activities were calculated based on the assumption that one activity in a mine does not influence other activities. The sink potentials of the pollutants at the field, like forests, green cover etc. and obstructions by buildings, dumps, etc. could not be taken into account during air quality modelling. FDM model has been used for prediction of particulate matters in the region as the model has been validated for Indian opencast mine conditions (CSIR-CIMFR, 1998; Chaulya et al.,2003). FDM model cannot include terrain features (USEPA, 1995).Emission of particulate matters from combustion of diesel fuel and blasting was not quantified nor modelled. Isopleths map of particulate matter concentration from closely spaced 200 receptor locations has been prepared for representing particulate matter concentration throughout the buffer zone without considering sink potentials.