Dhaka, Oct. 24 -- The government is set to undertake a Tk 6.89-billion project to restore navigability in Kaptai Lake and four surrounding rivers in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, aiming to prevent flash floods and improve river transport in the region, officials said on Thursday.

Following the construction of the Kaptai dam in the 1960s to generate hydroelectric power, the Karnaphuli, Kachalong, Raikhiyong and Chalok rivers gradually lost navigability due to heavy siltation.

Officials said the resulting waterlogging has damaged Kaptai Lake's ecosystem and disrupted communication routes for residents in remote hill areas.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) will implement the "Sustainable Water Management at Karnaphuli and its L...