However, in 2000, when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar, the geographical realities changed. A significant portion of the Bansagar dam’s catchment area fell within Jharkhand, prompting the new state to demand a larger share of the water. Bihar, relying on the historical 1973 agreement, pressed its claim to the entirety of the 7.75 MAF. For 25 years, this impasse remained unresolved, stalling regional development.
