Gehlot Asks Rajasthan Government To Plan For Dry Spell

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the State government to prepare an immediate backup plan to handle a drought-like situation across several districts.

Areas Affected And Concerns

Mr. Gehlot stated that dry conditions affect about 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 villages in Barmer, 1,216 villages in Balotra, and 961 villages in Jaisalmer, along with parts of Marwar and other areas. He warned that water for drinking, animal fodder, and jobs could turn into major problems in the coming months.

Government Action And Demands

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma previously announced emergency water tanker supplies until December 31, 2026, in low-rainfall regions, along with new fodder depots and emergency work funds of up to one crore rupees for District Collectors. However, Mr. Gehlot alleged that official orders for these steps had not reached the District Collector after three days. He also demanded that farm loans be waived, noting that the past Congress government had waived loans worth about fourteen thousand crore rupees. Meanwhile, Congress party workers will visit affected zones to check on relief work, timely wage payments, and supplies.

Context

Dry spells and low rainfall frequently threaten agricultural livelihoods and water security in parts of western Rajasthan. Public leaders often press the ruling administration to step up relief measures and ensure ground-level implementation during such agrarian crises.