New Delhi, August 31: The long-standing water dispute between Bihar and Jharkhand regarding the Son River has finally been resolved after nearly 26 years. A memorandum of understanding related to the water distribution of the Son River was signed on Monday in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary shared this significant development on social media platform X, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Amit Shah. He stated that this agreement marks the end of a 26-year-old dispute.
In his post, CM Chaudhary wrote, “Thank you to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The resolution of a 26-year-long dispute is a historic solution for Bihar!”
The agreement will enhance water availability for irrigation for farmers in Bihar, strengthen agriculture, and accelerate the state’s development. This is a major achievement for Bihar, which will also benefit the people of Jharkhand.
Notably, the meeting during which the agreement was reached included Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Union Minister of Water Power C.R. Patil, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, the Union Home Secretary, and senior officials from both state and central governments. Amit Shah described this as a historic achievement in resolving a long-awaited water dispute in Eastern India. He emphasized that the agreement will provide irrigation water to millions of farmers in large rural areas of Bihar and Jharkhand, while also ensuring access to drinking water for the populace.
Amit Shah remarked that the agreement on the Son River’s water distribution exemplifies Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Team India’ and cooperative federalism. He noted that while each state has its unique identity and governance, when all states work together for the national interest, no problem remains unsolvable. The resolution of the long-standing water dispute between Bihar and Jharkhand demonstrates that complex issues can be addressed through cooperative federalism and dialogue. This agreement opens pathways to resolve issues related to farmers, rural populations, and drinking water in both states.
Following the agreement, there is hope for increased water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes in Jharkhand’s Palamu, Garhwa, and other related areas. This is expected to particularly benefit rural and agriculture-based sectors. Additionally, it will pave the way for adequate water supply for irrigation and drinking needs for the large populations in Bihar’s Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna.
It is noteworthy that prior to this, an agreement was reached on July 7, 2026, regarding the settlement of pending payments related to the Narmada Award among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
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