Increase in water in Kaptai lake, production in Karnaphuli power station has also increased

The water level in Kaptai Lake in Rangamati has increased due to continuous heavy rains for several days. And it is approaching maximum capacity. At the same time, production at Karnaphuli water power plant has also increased.

The manager of this power plant, ATM Abduzzaher, said that the water level in the lake is 106.06 feet MSL around 12 noon on Friday. It was 105.11 feet MSL at 11 pm on Thursday and 105.84 feet MSL at 9 am on Thursday.

He also said that the maximum water capacity of Kaptai lake is 109 feet MSL (Min Sea Level). 30 thousand cusecs of water is released every second for power generation. And usually when the water level is more than 108 then we open the gates.

He said, “We always inform Kaptai and Rangunia upazila administration, Chittagong Port Authority and Navy by letter before opening the gates of Kaptai lake. Then they take the necessary steps. We don't mike or promote, that's what they do.”

However, by increasing the water in the lake, the production of the Karnaphuli water power plant has also increased. On Friday, 218 megawatts of electricity was being generated, which is the highest this season, according to the Karnaphuli hydropower plant authority.

According to the information of the hydropower plant, the power generation capacity of the five units of the power plant ranges from 230 to a maximum of 242 MW. Out of this, maximum 46 MW can be generated from units 1 and 2 and maximum 50 MW from units 3, 4 and 5.

By raising the water in Kaptai Lake, currently 46 MW is being produced from Unit No. 1, 49 MW from Unit No. 3 and an average of 40 MW from Units No. 2, 4 and 5.

However, due to mechanical faults and various realities, it is no longer possible to produce the maximum 245 MW.

ATM Abduzzah, manager of the power plant, said that due to lack of water in the Kaptai lake, it was possible to keep only one unit operational in the middle of last May. In this, the power generation came down to 25 megawatts. Which was the lowest production. Later in July and August the water level of the lake increased due to several rains. It is possible to turn on all the units in phases. At present power generation is going on in all five units. The production rose to 218 MW on Friday, the highest this season.

Meanwhile, the hanging bridge known as 'Symbol of Rangamati' has sunk on Friday morning due to rising water in Kaptai Lake. In the meantime, the foundation of the bridge has sunk, the bridge is sinking further as the water rises. Normally when the lake rises to 108 MSL, the bridge goes under two to three feet of water.

Source: BDNews.

Bangladesh /MP