Patna (Bihar) [India], September 1(ANI): BJP MLA and Cooperative Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Tuesday welcomed the signing of the Sone River water-sharing pact between Bihar and Jharkhand in New Delhi, thanking Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Ministers of each states, saying the long-pending problem inflicting irrigation loss to many villages has been resolved.
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 problem relating to the sharing of the Son River’s water has been resolved. This is a welcome improvement. I want to specific particular gratitude to the Home Minister and the Chief Ministers of each states, whose efforts made this doable. This state of affairs was inflicting vital loss, and lots of villages have been disadvantaged of irrigation…,’ Yadav, the Danapur MLA, mentioned.
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 mentioned that the decision of this advanced, long-pending problem was made doable as a consequence 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 improvement between Bihar and Jharkhand.
The dispute dates again to the yr 2000, following the creation of Jharkhand. Under the unique Bansagar Agreement of 1973, out of the whole 14.25 MAF of Sone River water, 7.75 MAF was allotted to the then-undivided Bihar. Since the bifurcation, the 2 states have been at odds over the division of this 7.75 MAF share. A consensus was lastly reached through the twenty seventh assembly of the Eastern Zonal Council in Ranchi in July 2025.
The settlement will considerably enhance water availability, significantly within the plateau and drought-prone areas of South Bihar and Jharkhand. It will increase irrigation amenities, alleviate ingesting water shortage, and impart contemporary momentum to industrial improvement, whereas additionally making certain long-term water safety for each states. (ANI)