020617 Daily Star
UNB, Rangamati
The Kaptai Lake is being silted up by the soil eroded from the hills and it
has been losing navigability fast. Concerned officials said dredging of the
lake has become essential and afforestation programme should also be taken up
for maintaining ecological balance in the area.
Soil of adjacent hills has become loose due to the destruction of forests.
The depth of the lake had been upto 109 MSL, but now it has been decreased by
seven feet threatening the operation of Kaptai Hydro Electric Plant and pisciculture
project.
This lake is important for establishing communication with the remote upazilas
of Rangamati and Khagrachari hilly areas.
But due to siltation of the lake, the movement of water vessels is being hampered
causing sufferings to the common people.