Effect on Hydrogeology Due to Mining in Barapukuria Coal Basin : Effect on Hydrogeology due to Longwall Mining

Bangladesh is facing frightening challenge to meet her energy need and to assure energy security for the near and long-term future. The nation needs to sustain at 7.8% economic growth to eradicate poverty, to develop the infrastructure and to survive as a nation. The energy challenge is one of the fundamental key factors to the economic growth imperative of Bangladesh. The share of gas is 81.5%, hydro 4.3%, furnace oil 5.3%, diesel 4.07% and coal 4.74% of total energy of the country. The nation's per capita electricity consumption is about 167 kWh per year, which is probably one of the lowest in the world. The inventory of energy resources is not substantial and natural gas resources are fast depleting, and the absence of any major new discoveries in the recent past made the situation worst. The effects of price instability, the sky- rocketing oil prices in the international market, and above all the burgeoning population, have been the major drivers of power demand resulting in a demanding gap. The critical issues of long -term energy prospects of Bangladesh hinge on security of energy supply, increased access to electricity, efficiency improvement.