Kaptai dam may open all 16 spillways on Saturday as lake level rises

The move comes as the lake's water level climbs towards its limit

Water levels at Rangamati's Kaptai Lake have risen following heavy rain, with authorities set to open all 16 spillway gates of the Karnafuli Hydropower Station's dam.

Authorities issued an emergency notice on water discharge from the lake on Thursday night, warning the gates could open as early as Saturday.

The notice said the lake's rising level, driven by recent heavy rain in the catchment area, had prompted plans to open all gates by six inches at any point after 11am on Saturday, to manage water flow and control flooding both upstream and downstream.

The move would discharge around 9,000 cusecs of water.

Kaptai dam's maximum capacity stands at 109ft mean sea level (MSL), with the lake's level at 103.91ft MSL as of 7pm pn Thursday.

Power generation currently under way through five units is already discharging around 32,000 cusecs into the Karnaphuli River.

As per the notice, the overall situation, including water levels, inflow and rainfall, is being “closely” monitored, with the gate-opening timing subject to change depending on rainfall and inflow patterns.

Should inflow rise, the extent of the gate opening would be increased in stages.

Hydropower station Manager Mahmud Hasan said the move aims to ease pressure on the dam and help control flooding in low-lying areas.