CHATTOGRAM, Mar 01: Lack of rain since December in the Chattogram Hill Tracts has decreased the water level of Kaptai Lake, severely disrupting power generation at the 230 MW Karnafuli Hydropower Station, communication and transportation of essential agricultural products.
Only one among five units of the power station has been generating 42 megawatts (MW) of power, according to Engineer Mahmud Hasan, station manager of the power station. "Of our five units, three remain closed, while one is inoperative for overhauling now."
He said that to operate all the units, the water level of the lake should be at 103 feet mean sea level (MSL) minimum.
Noting that the water level of the lake has decreased due to dry season, Engineer Mahmud said the water level was at 88 feet MSL on Thursday and was at 93.5 feet MSL in the week before.
Mohammed Idris, president of Kaptai Boat Owners Association, said the water level of the Kaptai Lake has decreased alarmingly, which left plying of boats impossible, thus disrupting communication in Rangamati and adjoining areas.
Swakat Islam, a farmer of Rangamati, said farmers
cannot transport their agro-products to Chattogram due to the disruption of communication in the lake.
Except from contributions in the national grid and the country's industries, the power generated by the station permits pumping of water to achieve widespread irrigation and drainage.
Locals said that the water level will decrease further in the coming month as rainfall is usually scarce. People have been suffering due to the current situation.
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