Rajasthan is facing a rainfall deficit this year, with several districts experiencing drought-like conditions, IANS reported on Friday, October 23. The shortfall has raised concerns in western Rajasthan, particularly in Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Balotra, where shortages of water and fodder are affecting rural communities.

Source: IANS via hi INDiA

Rainfall has reportedly fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, in sharp contrast to last year, when the state recorded its highest rainfall in 108 years, according to the IANS report. The deficit has raised concerns among farmers and livestock owners facing difficulties due to the shortage of water and fodder.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the state government to provide immediate relief to affected farmers. Gehlot had earlier demanded an early crop-loss assessment, declaration of affected areas as drought-hit and the launch of relief work, and claimed drought-like conditions prevailed in around 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 villages in Barmer, 1,216 villages in Balotra and 961 villages in Jaisalmer — figures presented as his claim in reporting of his demand.

Source: Times of India, Jaipur

Minister says survey first, relief after assessment

Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena said eight to ten districts had received below-normal rainfall and that government officials and District Collectors were closely monitoring the situation. He said the Revenue Department is conducting a survey to determine the extent of the impact, and the government would consider further action based on the findings and initiate relief once the assessment is complete and drought conditions are officially declared.

Meena said relief would start reaching affected farmers and livestock owners as soon as the survey was completed, and added that Gehlot should not try to spread confusion, according to the Times of India report. Gehlot, for his part, demanded the opening of fodder depots, arrangements for drinking water, cattle relief camps and employment in rural areas, and urged the state government to seek assistance from the Centre.

With Panchayat elections under way in the state, the drought issue has also become a point of political debate, with the Congress demanding urgent assistance for affected rural communities, IANS reported. The coming survey findings will determine whether affected areas are officially declared drought-hit.