Major pollution sources in opencast coal mining are pumping of mine effluents; run off from coal stock yards, overburden dumps and haul roads; effluents from workshop and washing of heavy earth moving machinery and coal handling plant; disposal sites of sludge from oil and grease trap; domestic effluents from colony. In this paper a six-step-six activity model is suggested for planning and conduction of water quality impact studies for opencast mining project. At the end best practicable control measures being adopted at various opencast mining projects are also included.