In a major breakthrough, the Son River water-sharing dispute between Jharkhand and Bihar has been resolved. After decades of contention, the two states have agreed on a mutually acceptable water allocationβJharkhand will now receive 2.0 MAF (Million Acre Feet) of water while Bihar will get 5.75 MAF.
This decision was announced after the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and attended by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren along with representatives from Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
This development is historic and marks a significant step in resolving interstate river disputes through cooperative federalism and structured dialogue.
π Points to Remember
-
Total water in question: 7.75 MAF (Million Acre Feet).
-
Jharkhandβs share: 2.0 MAF; Biharβs share: 5.75 MAF.
-
The Son River is a major tributary of the Ganga River.
-
MAF (million acre-feet) is a key unit used to measure large-scale water volumes.
-
The agreement marks a precedent in interstate water-sharing mechanisms.
-
Finalised under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
-
A resolution was reached during the Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Ranchi.
-
An example of cooperative federalism and regional integration.
Why This Agreement Matters
Water disputes are one of the major governance challenges in India, often stretching for decades and impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and interstate relationships. The Son River water-sharing agreement stands as a beacon of consensus-building and collaborative governance.
This agreement is not just about water allocation but also about acknowledging the rights and needs of both states. It ensures equitable distribution and reduces regional tensions.
Furthermore, the pact serves as a model for resolving similar disputes like those involving the Kaveri, Yamuna, or Mahanadi rivers.
Background of the Dispute
The Son River, originating near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar before merging into the Ganga. The river is essential for agriculture and drinking water across eastern India.
After the bifurcation of Bihar in 2000, Jharkhand demanded a fair share of the Son Riverβs water, previously managed under unified Bihar’s jurisdiction. However, no clear agreement had been reached until this historic understanding in 2025.
Key Takeaways From the Eastern Zonal Council Meeting
Held in Ranchi under the chairmanship of Amit Shah, the 27th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council addressed several interstate issues. Here are the highlights:
-
Water Sharing Agreement: Jharkhand gets 2.0 MAF of Son water.
-
Pending Issues: Jharkhand raised 31 issues, including mining compensation, rail infrastructure, and the Ramayana and Buddha tourism circuits.
-
Cooperative Federalism: Amit Shah emphasised transforming zonal councils from mere discussion platforms into “engines of cooperation”.
-
Other State Matters:
-
West Bengal and Jharkhand to discuss the Masanjore Dam dispute bilaterally.
-
Focus on tackling left-wing extremism by 2026 in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha.
-
