Ranchi/New Delhi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that a significant breakthrough has been achieved towards resolving the long-standing dispute over the sharing of Son River waters between Jharkhand and Bihar.
The development followed a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, where representatives of the two states held discussions aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue that has remained pending for several years.
According to Hemant Soren, the two states reached a consensus after prolonged discussions, technical deliberations and sustained mutual efforts. He described the understanding as an important step towards addressing Jharkhand’s water-related concerns while also accommodating the requirements of Bihar.
The Chief Minister said the agreement will help protect Jharkhand’s water interests and strengthen the state’s ability to meet the needs of its farmers, irrigation systems and future water requirements.
The Son River is an important water resource for both Bihar and Jharkhand, particularly for agriculture and irrigation. The issue of water allocation became more complex after the creation of Jharkhand from Bihar in 2000, as the original arrangements governing the undivided state had to be reconciled with the requirements of the two successor states.
The consensus is therefore significant not only from the perspective of water management but also as an example of cooperative federalism, with the Centre facilitating dialogue between the two states to resolve a long-pending inter-state issue.
The agreement is expected to create a more predictable framework for water utilisation, irrigation planning and agricultural development in the affected regions of both states.
Hemant Soren emphasised that the settlement would ensure that Jharkhand’s legitimate water interests are protected while contributing to a cooperative approach towards managing the shared river resource.
In essence, the consensus between Jharkhand and Bihar marks a major step towards resolving their long-pending Son River water-sharing issue, balancing Jharkhand’s future water needs with the agricultural and irrigation requirements of both states.