France may fund Bihar's hydel project

France has evinced its interest in funding Bihar's proposed multi-purpose 126 MW hydel power project, the biggest one in the state, a senior government official said.

"France has shown its interest in external funding for the Dagmara project in Supaul district...We have sent the detailed project report through state's finance department to the Government of France for consideration," Principal Secretary (energy) Ravikant told.

The project is planned for irrigation, flood protection and power generation of 126 MW, he said.

A French delegation had inspected the project site.

The French Development Agency was expected to fund 70 to 80 per cent of the estimated Rs 693 crore, Ravikant said.

Earlier, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was to fund the project, but it was later decided to hand it over to France.link