Bihar, Jharkhand sign MoU for sharing of Sone river water

On Monday, Bihar and Jharkhand inked a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at sharing the Sone river water resources. The agreement was forged by the respective chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary of Bihar and Hemant Soren of Jharkhand, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil. Following the signing, Shah expressed satisfaction, stating that the pact resolves a long-standing water dispute in eastern India.

He highlighted that the agreement will benefit millions of farmers in rural areas of both states, ensuring irrigation water and drinking water supply. Shah hailed the deal as a stellar illustration of the 'Team Bharat' principle and cooperative federalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement will guarantee adequate water for drinking and irrigation in various districts of Bihar, including Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna.

For Jharkhand, it will provide water for these purposes in Palamu, Garhwa, and other regions. This marks the fourth water agreement between states this year, with previous deals encompassing Narmada Award beneficiary states, Rajasthan and Haryana's Yamuna Water Project, and a consensus on the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project.