[1]The French government is keen to provide technology and support to restore the beach in Puducherry that has virtually disappeared.
A French firm has already submitted a proposal to the Puducherry government to restore the sandy beach as it used to be and is waiting for the approval of the territorial government and the Centre, Francois Richier, French ambassador to India, said.
Speaking to reporters after paying a courtesy call on chief minister N. Rangasamy in his chamber Thursday, Mr Richier said the restoration of the 1.5-km long beach would cost Rs 12 crores.
A French firm specialising in restoring beaches had already submitted a proposal and the project could be completed within six months if the government gave nod.
“The technology is fully tested and has already been executed to restore beaches in Vietnam and France. We are also ready to tie up with local educational institutions for French language training in Puducherry”, he said.
As part of tourism promotion, a race for sailing boats will be held between France and Puducherry in September 2013.
Around 30 to 40 sailing boats will leave the city of Lorient, a seaport in Brittany, and travel to Puducherry. The project would be a great publicity for Puducherry, Mr Richier said.
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