Rangamati Correspondent

Due to continuous rain, the water level in Kaptai Lake is rising. The suspension bridge, one of the tourist attractions in Rangamati city, has already submerged. In this situation, the authorities have imposed an indefinite ban on crossing the bridge from Saturday morning.

Rangamati Tourism Corporation Manager Alok Bikash Chakma said that due to the increase in water level in the lake, four inches of water rose on Saturday (August 29) morning. Therefore, to avoid risk, we have banned crossing the bridge for an indefinite period with the permission of the higher authorities. The bridge will be opened for visitors again when the water level decreases.

According to sources at the Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant in Kaptai, the water level in Kaptai Lake was 105.64 feet MSL (Means Sea Level) till Saturday afternoon. The water capacity of Kaptai Lake is 109 feet MSL. Currently, 222 MW of electricity is being generated by operating five units of this plant. The maximum power generation capacity of this plant is 242 MW.

Due to the increase in the water level of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, it has been decided to open 16 water gates of Kaptai Dam at 10 pm on Saturday (August 29). By 10 pm, the 16 gates of the spillway can be raised by 6 inches and water drainage from Kaptai Lake can be started.

Mahmud Hasan, Manager (Supervising Engineer) of Kaptai Water Power Plant, said that the water level of the lake, the inflow of water from upstream and the rainfall situation are being monitored round the clock. Based on the change in the situation, the time of opening the spillway can be brought forward or postponed.