Kaptai: The Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant authorities have initiated the release of water into the Karnaphuli River for the second time this month due to the rising water levels in Kaptai Lake nearing the danger threshold.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahmud Hasan, Manager of Kaptai Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant, confirmed the opening of sixteen gates of the Kaptai Dam’s spillway. These gates were opened six inches at 8 pm on Wednesday, allowing approximately 9,000 cusecs of water to flow into the Karnaphuli River every second. The plant authorities are closely monitoring the inflow and rainfall situation to manage the water level effectively.
“If the water level increases unexpectedly, the amount of opening of the spillway gates will be increased in phases,” Mahmud Hasan stated. At the time of the release, Kaptai Lake’s water level was at 108.35 MSL, while its maximum holding capacity is 109 MSL.
In an effort to manage the water level, all five units of the Kaptai Power Plant are operational, releasing 32,000 cusecs of water from the lake into the Karnaphuli River every second. Currently, the plant is generating 220 MW of electricity.
Previously, on August 5, the plant opened 16 sluice gates by 6 inches when Kaptai Lake’s water level surpassed the danger level, reaching nearly 109 feet. Continuous rain and upstream discharge caused the water level to rise abnormally, leading to the opening of the sluice gates to a maximum of 3.5 feet. After seven days, the water level in the lake decreased, and the 16 sluice gates were subsequently closed at 9 am on August 12.