Darbhanga: An innovative approach is underway in this Bihar district to make contaminated water potable -- with the active participation of private players in coordination with state agencies. Facing a water crisis which becomes acute during summer, the district is also affected by arsenic contamination in the falling groundwater table.

Branded "Sulabh Jal", the ambitious project began on Saturday from a small pond here with the use of French technology aiming at purification of contaminated water and making it safe drinking water at only 50 paisa per litre.