Rajasthan Ends 2026 Monsoon With Rainfall Deficit, Drought-Like Conditions Raise Water & Crop Concerns

Jaipur: Rajasthan's 2026 monsoon season concluded with severe rainfall deficits of 17.33%, sparking worries about water scarcity, crop losses, livestock welfare, and groundwater replenishment. The monsoon tapered off in western Rajasthan on September 17 and is projected to leave the state within the next day. The rainfall shortfall impacted about 17 of 41 districts, with Pali, Jaisalmer, and Jalore bearing the brunt, experiencing drops of 58.44%, 54.17%, and 50.26% respectively.

Banswara suffered a 39.07% reduction, while Hanumangarh faced a 38.02% deficit. Some areas, however, recorded above-normal rainfall, such as Deeg (27.98%), Dholpur (27.78%), Salumber (25.88%), Bharatpur (15.81%), and Phalodi (11.37%). The drought-like conditions have sparked concerns about kharif crops, drinking water, and fodder for livestock.

The government has taken steps to provide relief, extending tanker-based drinking water supplies in Barmer and Jaisalmer until December 31, 2026. District collectors have been empowered to allocate up to Rs 1 crore for contingency relief works. Officials have authorized the opening of fodder depots in areas in need, including Barmer, Balotra, and Jaisalmer.

The Revenue Department will conduct a drought assessment via field surveys in 117 tehsils after monsoon withdrawal to evaluate crop and agricultural impacts. Concerns over water resources, particularly the Bisalpur Dam, which supplies around 600 million liters of water to Jaipur daily, have also arisen due to the declining water level at Bisalpur to 313.10 RL meters.

Preparations are underway for possible water supply curtailment in Jaipur from November. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has called for immediate relief measures, highlighting that crops are drying up and concerns over fodder and drinking water are rising among farmers and livestock owners.