Coal stockpiles at the Barapukuria Coal Mine are being washed away by rainwater amid prolonged storage and inadequate preservation measures, raising concerns over losses worth crores of Taka.
Locals alleged that large quantities of coal extracted from the mine have remained stored in the open yard for an extended period due to slow sales and supply operations. Repeated rainfall over the uncovered stockpiles has caused portions of the coal to flow away through drainage channels into nearby canals.
They said rainwater accumulated beneath the coal heaps has created small currents, scattering coal and mixing it with muddy water, rendering part of the stock unusable. Exposure to moisture is also reducing the coal’s calorific value, according to residents and workers.
The situation has triggered concern among locals over what they described as the wastage of a valuable state resource. They called for stronger oversight and improved storage management to prevent further losses.
Mine workers said coal production has continued uninterrupted, but stock levels are rising steadily as demand from buyers remains limited. The growing reserves have also created pressure on available storage space inside the yard.
They added that several incidents of spontaneous fire have occurred in the coal piles due to excessive heat, prompting authorities to extinguish the flames with water.
Md Nuruzzaman, leader of the Fulbari Oil, Gas, Power and Port National Protection Committee, said although coal worth crores of Taka was reportedly washed away in water, no visible action has been taken by any authority of the coal mine. He described the situation as very unfortunate and expressed concern over the inaction of the responsible parties.
Officials at the Barapukuria Coal Mine said lower demand from power plants and other institutions has led to excess coal accumulation. They, however, said initiatives are underway to accelerate coal distribution and improve preservation systems to minimise rain-related damage.
Meanwhile, the Barapukuria coal-fired thermal power plant has reportedly failed to lift coal regularly due to recurring technical problems in its units. Unit-1 allegedly becomes inoperative frequently and requires repeated repairs, while Unit-3 has been under maintenance for the past three months. Unit-2 has remained shut for nearly eight years.
As a result, coal consumption at the plant has remained significantly below production levels at the mine.
Managing Director of the mine, Engineer Md Shah Alam, said around 550,000 tons of coal are currently stored at the yard, while only 600–700 metric tons are being supplied daily to the thermal power plant.
Energy experts said modern storage and preservation facilities are essential to protect the country’s strategic mineral resources and avoid recurring losses during the monsoon season.
