Water level rises in Kaptai Lake; 16 spillway gates open
As continuous rainfall and upstream runoff caused the water level in Kaptai Lake to rise, authorities have opened 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant dam. Currently, around 9,000 cusecs of water are being discharged every second into the Karnaphuli River through the 16 gates.
The gates were opened at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday (July 18), sending torrents of water rushing into the Karnaphuli River.
According to sources at the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, heavy rainfall over the past week and upstream inflows caused the water level in Kaptai Lake to rise rapidly, approaching its maximum storage capacity. This raised concerns about flooding in low-lying areas surrounding the lake. Considering the situation, authorities opened 16 spillway gates to reduce pressure on the reservoir. Approximately 9,000 cusecs of water are currently being released every second through the gates.
The Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant was established in 1960 following the construction of a dam across the Karnaphuli River. The reservoir stores rainwater and upstream inflows, enabling electricity generation throughout the year.
Following the opening of the spillway gates, a powerful flow of water could be seen surging into the Karnaphuli River. Large numbers of local residents gathered near the dam to witness the spectacle. Residents and business owners expressed relief over the timely release of water.
Local resident Md. Naser Khan said, "Last year, water was released too late, and my shop was flooded. This time, the early release has reduced the risk of damage."
Md. Akram Hossain, a businessman from Kaptai New Market, said, "Every monsoon season brings fears of flooding. However, releasing the water in advance has eased our concerns significantly. It will benefit everyone."
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Mahmud Hasan, Manager of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant, said that continuous heavy rainfall over the past week, coupled with upstream runoff, caused the water level in Kaptai Lake to rise rapidly, nearing its maximum storage capacity. At the same time, there was a risk of flooding in low-lying areas, including the district town and several upazilas. To ensure the safety of the dam and prevent potential damage, water has been released this year as part of the annual precautionary measures.
He added that the maximum storage capacity of Kaptai Lake is 109 MSL (Mean Sea Level). Normally, the spillway gates are opened when the water level reaches 107 MSL. However, considering the potential flood risk this year, authorities began releasing water by opening the gates when the lake level reached 105 MSL.