RANGAMATI, June 16: Electricity generation at the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kaptai has been severely affected as the water level of the Kaptai Lake continues to drop due to prolonged dry conditions.
Out of the plant’s five generating units, three have already been shut down due to water shortage, while only two units are currently in operation, producing just 58 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The plant’s full capacity is 240 MW when all five units are operational.
Officials warned that if heavy rainfall does not occur soon, electricity production may come to a complete halt at any time.
The declining water level in Kaptai Lake is also worsening the hardship of people dependent on the lake for transportation and livelihood. Waterways in several upazilas, including Bilaichhari, Barkal, Jurachhari, Longadu and Baghaichhari, are at risk of disruption as sandbars emerge in different parts of the lake, obstructing boat movement and affecting local trade and communication.
Engineer Mahmud Hasan, Manager of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant, said the water level has been falling steadily during the dry season. Although occasional rainfall was recorded this week, it remains far below the requirement.
According to the plant’s rule curve, the lake water level should be 78.34 feet above mean sea level (MSL). However, the last week, the level stood at 73.91 feet MSL, 4.43 feet below the required level.
Engineers at the plant control room said only two units were generating electricity at that time�"Unit 2 producing 30 MW and Unit 3 producing 28 MW. They added that without heavy rainfall, restarting the remaining units is not possible.
Officials of the Power Development Board (PDB) said 68 feet MSL is considered a critical danger level, at which point electricity generation would be completely halted. The lake’s maximum storage capacity is 109 MSL.
