Hanging Bridge in Rangamati shut as Kaptai Lake overflows

The spectacular hanging bridge in the hill district of Rangamati has been closed temporarily after the submersion of its iconic tourist spot following a rise in the water level of the scenic Kaptai Lake.

The bridge, widely known as a recognisable symbol of Rangamati, has been closed to visitors indefinitely from Saturday morning as authorities moved to prevent accidents amid continued heavy rain and upstream water flows.

The closure comes during a period when Rangamati attracts visitors to its lakes, hills and scenic beauty, potentially disrupting tourism activities at one of the district’s most recognisable sites.

The Kaptai Lake water level has risen rapidly following several days of heavy rainfall and increased flows from upstream rivers. Water from the Chengi, Maini and Kachalong rivers, as well as the Karnaphuli River originating in India’s Mizoram state, is flowing into the lake.

The rising water had reached the floor of the hanging bridge by Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning, around four inches of water had entered parts of the bridge.

“Water has risen to around four inches on the hanging bridge, so we have restricted visitor movement indefinitely to avoid any risk,” said Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Tourism Corporation.

He said the bridge would be reopened once the lake water receded and conditions became safe for visitors.

The hanging bridge is a foremost attraction within the Rangamati Tourism Complex. Travellers normally use the bridge to enjoy views of Kaptai Lake and the surrounding hills.

The temporary closure, therefore, removes a key attraction from the tourism spot at a time when weather conditions are already affecting travel in the region.

The rising lake level is also creating pressure on the Kaptai hydroelectric power station.

According to the Kaptai Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station, the lake stood at 105.64 feet above mean sea level (MSL) at noon on Saturday, compared with its maximum capacity of 109 feet MSL.

All five generating units were operating, producing 222 megawatts of electricity against the station’s maximum generation capacity of 242MW.

With the lake water continuing to rise, authorities decided to open all 16 spillway gates of the power station by six inches each on Saturday night to release excess water.

The amount of water released through the gates may be adjusted depending on the situation, officials said. For Rangamati’s tourism industry, the bridge shutting highlights the growing vulnerability of tourism attractions located around lakes and hills to extreme weather and sudden changes in water levels.

The district is known for Kaptai Lake, boat trips, hanging bridges, hill scenery and indigenous cultural attractions, making its natural environment a central part of the local tourism economy.

The authorities concerned said the hanging bridge would remain closed until the water level falls and conditions become safe. For now, visitors to Rangamati need to wait for the waters to recede before the landmark bridge reopens.