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Power generation at the Karnaphuli Hydropower Station in Rangamati has been severely impacted by a sharp decline in Kaptai Lake's water level, a consequence of insufficient rainfall. Officials report that only three of the station's five generating units are currently functioning, producing a combined 95 megawatts of electricity. The water level has fallen to 75.81 feet, significantly below the expected 84.16 feet for this period.

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When the water level rises, power generation increases. When it falls, generation declines. We have been facing difficulties since April due to the water shortage, which has made it impossible to operate all five units.

Mahmud Hasan, manager of the hydropower station, explained that electricity output is directly tied to the lake's water level. "When the water level rises, power generation increases. When it falls, generation declines," he stated. The station has faced water shortages since April, preventing the operation of all five units. Hasan warned that if heavy rainfall does not occur, the remaining operational units might also have to be shut down.

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At present, two units remain shut down while three are operating. If there is no heavy rainfall, we may have to shut down the remaining units as well.

The low water level has also crippled waterway connectivity for five communities dependent on the lake: Baghaichhari, Langadu, Barkal, Juraichhari, and Bilaichhari. Launches from Rangamati town can now only reach Natun Bazar. From there, residents must use smaller boats and motorcycles to reach their destinations, tripling or quadrupling travel costs. "The waterways are the only mode of transport in the upazila," said Suresh Kumar Chakma, a resident of Juraichhari.

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From there, passengers have to take a small trawler to Rasta Matha and then travel by motorcycle to the upazila headquarters. The journey now costs four to five times more than usual.

Businesses are also suffering. Md Kuddus, a businessman from Bilaichhari, highlighted the difficulties in transporting goods, citing high costs. He expressed concern that the situation will worsen without rain. Bhagya Ratan Chakma, a Barkal resident, noted that launches frequently run aground on sandbars, causing delays and minor accidents. Moin Uddin Salim, president of the Rangamati Launch Owners' Association, confirmed that launch services to Baghaichhari have been suspended for three months, with services to other upazilas only partially operational. He stressed the need for dredging Kaptai Lake to alleviate the recurring dry-season hardships.

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We are facing a serious situation because of high transportation costs. If the rains do not come and the water level does not rise, our hardships will only increase.