RANGAMATI, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - Power generation at the Karnaphuli Hydropower Generation Station in Kaptai has been significantly disrupted due to a sharp decline in the water level of Kaptai Lake, officials said here today.

Currently, three of the plant's five generating units remain shut down because of insufficient water in the reservoir. As a result, electricity production has dropped to only 58 megawatts (MW), far below the station's maximum generation capacity of 240 MW.

Confirming the situation, Karnafuli Hydro Power Station (KHPS) Manager Engineer Mahmud Hasan said the water level in Kaptai Lake has been steadily decreasing during the dry season. Although the area has experienced intermittent rainfall in recent days, the precipitation has been inadequate to replenish the lake.

According to KHPS data, the water level in Kaptai Lake stood at 73.91 feet above mean sea level as of 9:00 am on Wednesday, compared to the rule curve requirement of 78.34 feet. The current level is therefore 4.43 feet below the prescribed operating level.

Engineers at the control room of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station reported that Unit No. 2 was generating 30 MW of electricity, while Unit No. 3 was producing 28 MW, bringing total generation to 58 MW.

Officials of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) said the remaining three units cannot be brought back into operation unless the region receives substantial rainfall in the coming days.

The Kaptai Hydropower Plant, the country's only hydroelectric power station, plays an important role in supporting the national power grid. Continued low water levels could further affect electricity generation if adequate rainfall does not occur soon.