Rajasthan Drought: Ashok Gehlot Seeks Urgent Farmer Relief, Kirodi Lal Meena Says Survey Underway

The situation is particularly concerning in western Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Balotra, where inadequate rainfall has placed pressure on agricultural activities and rural livelihoods.

Meena said eight to ten districts had received below-normal rainfall, adding that government officials and District Collectors were monitoring the situation. The Revenue Department is conducting a survey to assess the extent of the damage, he said.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanded that Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena provide the Congress with immediate assistance for affected farmers.

According to the minister, the government would determine the next course of action based on the assessment. Relief measures would be considered once the survey is completed and drought conditions are officially declared.

The rainfall shortfall has reportedly been the most severe in 17 years, contrasting with last year, when Rajasthan recorded its highest rainfall in 108 years, according to the figures cited in the report.

Earlier this month, Gehlot raised concerns over the worsening situation in western Rajasthan and called on the Bhajanlal Sharma-led government to provide immediate relief to farmers.

Citing figures on the extent of the affected areas, the former Chief Minister said approximately 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 in Barmer, 1,216 in Balotra and 961 in Jaisalmer were experiencing drought-like conditions.

Gehlot warned that deficient rainfall was affecting farming communities and rural livelihoods, urging the state government to take prompt action to address the crisis.

The impact of the rainfall deficit extends beyond crop losses. Reduced water availability can affect drinking water supplies, livestock and the livelihoods of farming families. Livestock owners face particular difficulties when water sources become scarce and fodder supplies decline.

The Agriculture and Revenue departments are assessing conditions across the affected regions to establish the extent of the shortfall and its impact on rural communities.

With Panchayat elections underway in Rajasthan, the drought situation has also become a point of political debate, as the Congress presses for urgent intervention.

The state government's response is expected to depend on the findings of the ongoing survey and the formal decision on whether drought conditions should be declared in the affected areas.