Kaptai Dam set to open 16 spillway gates tonight as lake water level rises
Authorities said further decisions on water discharge will be taken based on the lake's water level and inflow situation.
The 16 spillway gates of Kaptai Dam may be opened tonight to release around 9,000 cusecs of water as the level of Kaptai Lake continues to rise.
The gates may be opened by six inches each around 10pm today, according to an emergency notice issued by Mahmud Hasan, manager (supervising engineer) of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station.
The decision has been taken as part of measures to manage water in upstream and downstream areas and prevent flooding, the notice said.
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The water level of Kaptai Lake stood at 105.64 feet above mean sea level (MSL) at 2pm today, against its maximum holding capacity of 109 feet MSL.
Authorities are closely monitoring the lake's water level, inflow and rainfall. Depending on the overall situation, the timing of opening the spillway gates may be brought forward or delayed, the notice said.
If the inflow increases, the gates will be opened further in phases, it added.
Meanwhile, all five units of the Kaptai Hydropower Station are currently generating electricity, discharging around 32,000 cusecs of water from the lake every second.
Authorities said further decisions on water discharge will be taken based on the lake's water level and inflow situation.
