All floodgates of Kaptai dam opened to ease pressure on lake

All 16 floodgates of the Kaptai dam were opened early this morning (5 August) to reduce rising water pressure in Kaptai Lake, with around 9,000 cusecs of water being released into the Karnaphuli River.

The Karnaphuli Hydropower Station confirmed that all spillways were opened at 12:10am, in line with prior announcements.

Mahmud Hasan, superintending engineer and manager of the power station, said, "Due to increased water pressure in Kaptai Lake, 16 spillways of the dam have been opened by 6 inches each."

According to the hydroelectric power station's control room, the five operational units of the power station are currently discharging about 32,000 cusecs of water into the Karnaphuli River.

Including the volume released through the spillways, the total discharge now stands at approximately 41,000 cusecs. The water eventually flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Notably, the Chattogram Port Authority issued an emergency alert yesterday (4 August) for maritime operations, warning of possible "freshet" conditions, a sudden rise in river flow, due to the large volume of water being released from the dam.

Meanwhile, in the days leading up to the release, concerns spread on social media regarding possible risks posed by the dam's opening.

Both the Rangamati district administration and the dam authorities issued statements urging residents, particularly those living near the river, to remain cautious but not to panic.

Saikat Ranjan Chowdhury, a Rangamati resident, said, "Almost every year, when the water level of Kaptai Lake nears or touches the danger mark, the spillways of the Kaptai Dam are opened to release water into the Karnaphuli River.

"However, in recent years, it seems that a kind of fear or panic is being created around the opening of the Kaptai Dam's spillways, even though it is a normal matter."