Ferry services halted at Chandraghona as Kaptai lake water level surges

Ferry movement from Chandraghona ferry ghat remained suspended since Thursday morning due to a strong onrush of water in the Karnaphuli River, caused by heavy disposal from the Kaptai Lake as its water level reached 108.79 feet above the danger level.

According to the authorities, nearly 58,000 cusecs of water per second is being released into the Karnaphuli River from the lake.

Managing Engineer of Karnaphuli Hydropower Centre Mahmud Hasan confirmed the matter to BSS on Thursday.

He said the water flow from Kaptai Lake through 16 water gates increased by 3 feet since 11pm on Wednesday night. Currently, 219 megawatts of electricity is being generated as five units of the hydropower station remain operational.

Due to the increased water flow, the Roads and Highways Department has suspended ferry operations at Chandraghona ghat from 6am on Thursday, said Sabuj Chakma, Executive Engineer of the Rangamati Roads and Highways Division.

Ferry movement will resume once the water flow from the lake decreases, he added.