New Delhi, September 1 (APAC Media): Bihar and Jharkhand have signed an MoU to share the waters of the Sone River, resolving a nearly 25-year-old inter-state water dispute.
The agreement is expected to improve access to water for irrigation and drinking purposes across several districts in both states.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, along with senior officials from the Centre and the two states.
Water Access for Farmers and Residents
The agreement is expected to benefit lakhs of farmers by improving irrigation availability across large rural areas of Bihar and Jharkhand. It will also support drinking-water requirements in several districts.
In Bihar, the agreement will facilitate water availability for Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya and Patna.
In Jharkhand, Palamu, Garhwa and other regions are expected to benefit from improved access to Sone River water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Long-Pending Dispute Resolved
Amit Shah described the agreement as an example of cooperative federalism and the ‘Team Bharat’ approach, saying that long-standing inter-state issues can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation.
He said the agreement marks the fourth inter-state water-sharing agreement reached this year, aimed at improving water availability for irrigation, rural development and drinking-water needs.
The Bihar and Jharkhand governments expressed their appreciation for the Centre’s role in facilitating the resolution of the Sone River water-sharing issue.
The agreement marks a significant step towards improving water security, agricultural productivity and rural development in the two states.
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