All Gates of Kaptai Dam Opened at Midnight

Due to water levels exceeding the danger mark, the gates of the Kaptai Dam were opened earlier than scheduled. Although the planned water release was set for 9:00 am on Tuesday, 4 August, the dam’s 16 sluice gates at the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station were opened by 6 inches each at 12:02 am on Monday night. This has resulted in a flow of 9,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from Kaptai Lake into the Karnaphuli River.

Official Confirmation and Details

Mahmud Hasan, Managing Engineer of the Hydroelectric Power Station, confirmed the information and explained that water levels in the lake reached 108.05 feet by Monday night, surpassing the danger threshold. Consequently, the gates had to be opened urgently to relieve pressure.

He further stated:

• On Sunday evening, the water level was at 107 feet, prompting a decision to release water on Monday afternoon.
• However, due to the absence of rainfall, the release was postponed to 9:00 am on Tuesday.
• The situation deteriorated rapidly overnight, necessitating the early opening of the gates.

Additional Water Discharge from Power Units

Engineers on duty at the control room reported that five operational power units are releasing an additional 32,000 cusecs of water per second into the Karnaphuli River.

Advisory for Residents

Authorities have urged residents living downstream not to panic but to remain vigilant and cautious in light of the increased water flow.