Kaptai Lake

Overview
Kaptai Lake, the largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, is the main attraction in Rangamati. Created in 1960, the lake is renowned for its scenic beauty and picturesque islands scattered across its expanse. A boat trip on the lake offers a perfect way to soak in its serene charm and enjoy the natural splendor of the area.

History

The creation of Kaptai Lake is closely tied to the construction of a hydroelectric dam.

  • Timeline:

    • Construction of the dam began in 1956 by the Government of East Pakistan.
    • The project was completed in 1962.

  • Key Facts:

    • Dam Specifications:
      • Length: 670.8 meters.
      • Height: 54.7 meters.
      • Spillway: 745 feet (227 meters) long with 16 gates.
      • Water flow capacity: 5,250,000 cubic feet/second (149,000 m³/s).
    • Funding: Supported by the United States.
    • Construction Firms: International Engineering Company and Utah International Inc.

  • Impact:

    • Submerged 54,000 acres (220 km²) of farmland.
    • Displaced approximately 100,000 people, including 18,000 families.
    • 40% of the total arable land, 29 square miles (75 km²) of government forest, and 234 square miles (610 km²) of other forest land were submerged.
    • The royal palace of the Chakma king was also flooded and now lies underwater.

      How to Visit

      1. Reaching Rangamati:

        • Travel to Chattogram via road, train, or air from any part of the country.
        • From Chattogram, take local transport to Rangamati.

      2. Boat Rentals:

        • Boats and speedboats are available for hire at several locations, including the reserve market, Tabalchhari, and tourist wharves.
        • Rates:
          • Speedboats: Tk. 1200–1500 per hour.
          • Domestic boats: Tk. 500–600 per hour.