New Delhi [India], August 31 (ANI): In a breakthrough for regional water administration, Bihar and Jharkhand on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the nationwide capital, resolving a 25-year-old dispute over the sharing of Sone River waters.
Under the brand new settlement, Bihar has been allotted 5.75 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, whereas Jharkhand will obtain 2.00 MAF.
The MoU was signed within the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Paatil, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, together with senior officers of each state governments and the Central Government have been current.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary stated that the decision of this complicated, long-pending concern was made attainable as a result of their proactive efforts, steady dialogue, and efficient mediation. He acknowledged that this isn’t merely a water-sharing accord however a brand new chapter of cooperation, belief, and shared growth between Bihar and Jharkhand.
The dispute dates again to the 12 months 2000, following the creation of Jharkhand. Under the unique Bansagar Agreement of 1973, out of the full 14.25 MAF of Sone River water, 7.75 MAF was allotted to the then-undivided Bihar. Since the bifurcation, the 2 states had been at odds over the division of this 7.75 MAF share. A consensus was lastly reached throughout the twenty seventh assembly of the Eastern Zonal Council in Ranchi in July 2025, resulting in the finalisation of the deal at the moment.
The settlement will considerably enhance water availability, significantly within the plateau and drought-prone areas of South Bihar and Jharkhand. It will increase irrigation services, alleviate ingesting water shortage, and impart contemporary momentum to industrial growth, whereas additionally guaranteeing long-term water safety for each states.
CM Choudhary stated that following this settlement, work on reservoir development for optimum utilisation of Sone River waters and the proposed mission to interlink the Sone River with the Falgu River can now be expedited. This will improve water availability in a number of areas of South Bihar, together with Gayaji. Having sufficient water within the Falgu River may also facilitate devotees visiting from throughout the nation and overseas to carry out tarpan and pind daan rituals throughout the Pitrupaksha Mela.
The Chief Minister additional remarked that the Sone River is a serious southern tributary of the Ganga, and its catchment space is of important significance to the agricultural and financial actions of Eastern India. Therefore, this settlement holds far-reaching significance not just for Bihar and Jharkhand, however for general water administration and regional growth throughout Eastern India.
Expressing gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Government of Jharkhand, and all officers and specialists concerned on this course of for reaching this historic decision, he emphasised that lasting options to such complicated interstate points are attainable solely by way of the spirit of cooperative federalism. He expressed confidence that this settlement will show immensely useful to farmers, residents, and future generations within the years to return. (ANI)