Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement Approved | 15 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the construction of the Indrapuri Reservoir Project after resolving the Sone River water-sharing dispute with Jharkhand through a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states. 

Key Points 

• CWC Clearance: The Central Water Commission (CWC) approved the draft water-sharing agreement. 
• Cabinet Approval: The Bihar Cabinet also approved the Water Resources Department’s proposal to sign a draft MoU with Jharkhand. 
  • Enabling the construction of the Indrapuri Reservoir Project, Rohtas district (Bihar). 
• Background of Dispute: Under the 1973 Bansagar Agreement, undivided Bihar was allocated 7.75 million acre feet (MAF) of Sone water. 
  • Post-bifurcation: Jharkhand demanded a defined share, leading to prolonged negotiations. 
• Water Allocation Formula: As per the approved arrangement, Bihar will receive 5.75 MAF and Jharkhand 2.0 MAF from the share earlier allocated to undivided Bihar. 
• Irrigation Benefits: The project is expected to enhance irrigation potential in eight districts of Bihar. 
  • Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya and Patna—supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods. 
• Federal Coordination: The agreement was facilitated through discussions in the Eastern Zonal Council, which functions under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. 
• Economic and Social Impact: Improved water availability will support agricultural productivity, food security and regional development in water-stress areas of Bihar.