Govt didn't seek funds from French banks for Rampal power plant

The Power Division yesterday said neither the government nor the company that is implementing the Rampal coal-based power plant has sought funds from any French bank for the project.

The government issued clarification following media reports that three French banks -- Crédit Agricole, Société Génerale and BNP Paribas -- would not invest in the much-debated project due to environmental risks.

“The news of rejection by the French banks to finance the project is irrelevant,” the Power Division said in a statement.

The division also welcomed the decision of the Unesco to send its observers to the Sundarbans, a world heritage site.

“The Power Division firmly believes that during the visit they will see the real position, and after the visit, their views on the Rampal project would change. They will surely get a positive impression about the project.”

On the alleged noncompliance with the conditions stipulated by the Department of Environment for the project, the Power Division said the Department in August 2013 approved the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the 1,320-MW power plant.

The project implementing agency would fulfil 59 conditions at different stages of the project, according to the report.

Among those conditions, some will be complied during the project implementation period, while the others will be fulfilled when required, the Power Division said.