Kaptai Dam to Open 16 Spillway Gates as Reservoir Water Level Rises

Authorities have decided to open 16 spillway gates of the Kaptai Dam to help manage rising water levels in Kaptai Lake and reduce the risk of flooding in upstream and downstream areas.

According to an emergency notice signed by Mahmud Hasan, Manager (Superintending Engineer) of the Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Station, the spillway gates are scheduled to be opened at around 10:00 p.m. (Bangladesh time) on Saturday.

The notice said that as of 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, the water level in Kaptai Lake had reached 105.64 feet mean sea level (MSL), compared with the reservoir's maximum storage capacity of 109 feet MSL.

In the initial phase, all 16 spillway gates will be opened by six inches, allowing approximately 9,000 cusecs of water to be discharged from the reservoir every second.

The power station authorities said they are closely monitoring the lake's water level, inflows from upstream, rainfall, and the overall hydrological situation. Depending on conditions, the timing of the gate opening may be adjusted. If inflows continue to increase, the gates may be opened further in phases to release additional water.

Meanwhile, all five generating units at the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station are operating at full capacity. The plant is currently releasing around 32,000 cusecs of water per second through power generation. The total volume of water discharged is expected to increase further once the spillway gates are opened.

Authorities have advised residents living near the reservoir and downstream areas to remain alert, adding that future decisions will be made based on continuous monitoring of water levels and inflow conditions.