Sixteen spillway gates of the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station damp in Kaptai were reopened on Friday morning as the water level of Kaptai Lake rose, with water being released as a precautionary measure.

The gates were opened by six inches each from 8:00am, according to the plant authorities. The lake’s water level stood at 105.51 feet above mean sea level (MSL).

Plant Manager Engineer Mahmood Hasan confirmed the matter, saying the 16 gates were opened by six inches each to release excess water, amid concerns over rising water levels and possible erosion in different areas of Rangamati.

“About 9,000 cusecs of water is being released through the gates. The gates will be closed again when the water level stabilises at 105 feet,” he said.

Earlier, on August 29, the lake’s water level reached 106.01 feet MSL, prompting the authorities to open the 16 spillway gates by six inches each.

The gates were subsequently opened further in phases as the water level continued to rise. At one stage, each gate was opened by up to three feet, resulting in the release of around 58,000 cusecs of water.

The gates were later closed as the water level receded. They were reopened on Friday morning after the lake’s water level started rising again.

The authorities said the maximum water-holding level of Kaptai Lake is 109 feet MSL, and the current water release is being carried out as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the lake water is being used to generate 222 megawatts of electricity through five units of the power plant.