GovTwin / Institution

Parbatipur (Dinajpur)

Local Gov

A southeastern Dinajpur upazila that is a major rail junction and site of the Barapukuria coal mine and power complex.

Indicators: Meta RWI (HDX); ERA5-Land; MODIS; Sentinel-5P; VIIRS night-lights; GHSL; Hansen v1.11; CHIRPS v2.0. Exposure: GloFAS v2.1, FABDEM, MODIS LST, ACAG PM2.5, WorldPop 2020.

Problems and issues

1. air quality The Barapukuria coal mine, power plant and surrounding brick kilns concentrate aerosol and gaseous pollution in this upazila. So what: Mining-and-power emissions raise respiratory-health risks for nearby residents. Source: Department of Environment
2. poverty Mean Relative Wealth Index is -0.199 (national rank 97 of 452, third decile), below the national mean despite the energy infrastructure. So what: Industrial presence has not translated into broad household prosperity. Source: Meta Data for Good Relative Wealth Index (HDX)
3. water Coal extraction and groundwater-fed irrigation in the surrounding granary draw heavily on aquifers with little permanent surface water. So what: Combined withdrawals risk localized water-table decline and subsidence concerns. Source: Barind Multipurpose Development Authority

Probable solutions

• Tighten emission controls and monitoring around the Barapukuria coal-power complex and convert nearby brick kilns to cleaner technology. Responsible: Department of Environment · Department of Environment
• Promote AWD irrigation and surface-water re-excavation to relieve combined groundwater stress. Responsible: Barind Multipurpose Development Authority · Barind Multipurpose Development Authority programmes