Bihar and Jharkhand resolve Son River water dispute

Bihar and Jharkhand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to resolve a long-standing dispute over the water sharing of the Son River. The agreement, signed in New Delhi during a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, settles a conflict that has persisted for approximately 25 to 26 years.

Under the terms of the agreement, a total of 7.75 million acre-feet (MAF) of water will be shared between the two states. This resolution is expected to provide significant relief to millions of farmers and residents by ensuring better access to irrigation and drinking water. In Bihar, the benefits are expected to reach districts including Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna. In Jharkhand, the water will support areas such as Palamu and Garhwa.

The settlement also clears the path for the Indrapuri Reservoir Project, which had been stalled for 53 years due to the dispute and the lack of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Jharkhand. Officials described the agreement as a successful example of cooperative federalism, resolving a major regional issue through dialogue.