Water Level of Kaptai Lake Near Danger Mark; Second Phase of Spillway Opening Conducted

Due to continuous rainfall and mountain runoff, the water level of Kaptai Lake is rising dangerously. On Wednesday (August 20) at 8:00 PM, authorities opened the 16 spillways of Kaptai Dam by 6 inches each for the second time to control the water level. As a result, nearly 9,000 cubic feet of water per second is being released.

Mahmud Hasan, Managing Engineer of Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, stated that the current water level of the lake has reached 108.35 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), which is very close to the danger mark. This measure has been taken to protect the upstream and downstream areas as well as to maintain electricity generation.

He added that five units of the power station are currently operational, using 32,000 cubic feet of water per second to generate 222 megawatts of electricity.

Earlier, from August 4, due to consecutive days of mountain floods and heavy rainfall, all the spillways of Kaptai Dam were gradually opened to release water. At times, the spillways were opened six inches, three feet, or three and a half feet, with a maximum of 68,000 cubic feet of water released. As the situation slightly improved, water discharge was stopped from the morning of August 12.

However, due to recent rainfall and mountain floods, the risk of rising water levels has returned, prompting authorities to open the spillways for the second phase.

Locals fear that if the water continues to rise at this rate, it could lead to flooding in the lower-lying downstream areas. The power station authorities, however, assured that the water level is being monitored regularly and appropriate measures will be taken as needed.