Kaptai Lake water level depletion causes power shutdown and navigation crisis

Severe heatwave and lack of rainfall have caused water levels in Kaptai Lake to drop significantly below the rule curve, forcing the shutdown of three out of five power generation units at the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station. The receding water has also caused severe disruption to water transport, effectively disconnecting six upazilas in Rangamati from the district headquarters as boat routes have receded by 20-30 kilometers.