New Delhi. A water-sharing issue between Bihar and Jharkhand that had remained unresolved for nearly 25 years has now moved towards a solution, with the two states signing an MoU on the sharing of Sone River water in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The agreement is expected to improve the availability of water for irrigation and drinking purposes across several districts. In Bihar, the beneficiaries include Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya and Patna. In Jharkhand, Palamu, Garhwa and other areas are expected to benefit.

The resolution is significant not only for the people dependent on the Sone River but also as an example of states working together to settle a long-standing issue through dialogue.

The agreement is also the fourth inter-state water-related agreement reached this year through efforts involving the Inter-State Council, signalling a renewed focus on resolving such disputes through cooperation.

BI Bureau