Save Kaptai lake

The lake was artificially created between 1958-1960 by the government of Pakistan with the intention of augmenting water current to produce hydro electricity and supply it to as far as to the city of Dhaka then the capital of East Pakistan.

A huge dam was built on the river Karnaphuli to create the lake. During the Pakistan era Kaptai lake was the major source of electricity in this part of the country. The creation of the biggest man-made lake of the country and also one of the largest in South Asia brought many fold advantages. Apart from production of electricity the lake helped in facilitating irrigation of lands, control of flooding, navigation of river Karnaphuli and harnessing of forestry resources of Chittagong Hill Tract. The creation of the lake almost revolutionised the lives of inhabitants of CHT in respect to their land cultivation, fishing and communication.

However the creation of the lake was not without pain as hundreds and thousands of native and tribal people were displaced and left stranded and destitute as onrushing water swept away their homesteads and livestock changing forever their lives and livelihood they led for generations. There was a feeble attempt to compensate these affected families. However that was another story.

The lake and the surrounding forests with hills, creeks and tribes also became the focal point of a great tourist attraction. People from all over the country started to flock just to have a view of this huge lake and its massive dam. A journey to Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Kaptai is still on the cards for many Dhaka-based families who made it a regular feature to go for a holiday to Ctg and CHT, at least once in a year. Surfing in Kaptai lake on a speed boat or cruising on a sampan or a country boat is indeed an unforgettable experience.

But all is not well with this strikingly beautiful lake. Kaptai lake and dam authority have recently disclosed that the lake is losing its depth because of siltation and sedimentation. The height of the water of the lake has varied from one place to another.

It is absolutely bewildering to know that no initiative has been taken in the last 44 years since its creation to excavate or dredge the lake. Consequently the entire lake area is now facing a disastrous situation. The authority was supposed to have taken a project worth Taka one hundred thirty million to restore and develop the lake. However the project has been stalled because it could not be ascertained whether the fund to be disbursed should be in local or foreign currency.

The Rangamati part of the lake is gradually being occupied illegally. A certain section of the lake has completely dried out and giving rise to a large chunk of land which has been taken over and buildings are coming up overnight. A large part of lake area in and around Tabalchhari, Old bus stand, Kathaltali, Bonrupa and adjacent areas have been illegally occupied forcing the lake to a great danger.

A study has revealed that about 10 MT of toxic and human waste are being deposited into the lake every day. The irony is that DPHE (Public Health Dept) is hauling up and supplying the same water to the inhabitant of Rangamati. The filth in the water has taken an alarming proportion and the lives of the population have been greatly endangered. The volume of fish has gone down drastically over the last few years, according to the local fishermen. They have informed that several of the fish species have not been sighted in recent years giving rise to the speculation that they may have become extinct.

Land sliding, unplanned cultivation on the hills near the lake area, siltation of lake bed, illegal human encroachment in and around the lake area, building of illegal structures and haphazard lifestyles of the inhabitants has brought the lake to a total catastrophic state.

The authorities concerned should immediately come forward with appropriate restoration and development project to bring sanity in the lake area, dismantle all illegal structures, curb the dumping of human and toxic waste, dredge the lake protect it from further abuse or else we may one day lose for ever one of our very precious heritage built over 44 years.

Syed Shamim Faruk is an environment activist