Rajasthan government should prepare contingency plan to deal with ‘drought-like’ situation: Ashok Gehlot

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urged the State government to create a contingency plan to address the drought-like conditions in certain regions of the State. He warned that drinking water, fodder and employment could become major issues in the coming months. Gehlot emphasized the need to take the situation seriously and start preparations immediately, arranging for fodder and drinking water for both humans and animals.

He pointed out that drought-like conditions had been reported in approximately 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 in Barmer, 1,216 in Balotra, and 961 in Jaisalmer, with several other parts of Marwar and the State also affected. The former chief minister noted that Rajasthan had experienced droughts before, but their impact had diminished due to the growth of tubewells, handpumps, and the employment guarantee program.

However, he expressed concern that the assurance of employment on demand had diminished, and the government would need to provide adequate relief works in affected areas. Gehlot also criticized the delayed implementation of orders from the Chief Minister in Barmer, suggesting that such issues should not remain merely on paper. He reiterated that the government needed to address these concerns urgently to effectively manage the situation.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had announced the continuation of emergency drinking water arrangements and tanker supplies until December 31, 2026, in low-rainfall areas, as well as the opening of fodder depots in affected regions and the authorization of emergency works up to ₹1 crore through District Collectors. Gehlot called for the waiver of farmers' loans, recalling that the previous Congress government had waived loans worth around ₹14,000 crore.

He stated that Congress leaders at the block, district, and State levels would visit affected areas to evaluate whether relief works were in place, payments were being made on time, and sufficient arrangements for fodder and drinking water were being made.