Rajasthan Drought Alert: Gehlot Demands Urgent Plan & Loan Waivers!
Rajasthan Drought Alert: Gehlot Demands Urgent Plan & Loan Waivers!
Former CM Ashok Gehlot urges Rajasthan government to prepare for a "drought-like" situation, highlighting concerns over water, fodder, and employment. #RajasthanDrought #AshokGehlot
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called upon the State government to immediately prepare a contingency plan to address a looming "drought-like" situation. Speaking in Jaipur on Sunday, October 4, 2026, the veteran Congress leader warned that drinking water, fodder for livestock, and employment opportunities could become major concerns in the coming months if proactive measures are not taken.
Mr. Gehlot emphasized the urgency, stating,
Arrangements will have to be made for fodder and drinking water, both for people and animals. A contingency plan should be prepared from now itself.
His remarks come as the monsoon is expected to withdraw from parts of Rajasthan over the next three to four days, intensifying fears of a dry spell. Highlighting the severity, Mr.
Gehlot had earlier claimed that drought-like conditions were already prevalent in approximately 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 in Barmer, 1,216 in Balotra, and 961 in Jaisalmer district, with many other areas in Marwar and across the State also affected. He acknowledged that Rajasthan has historically faced droughts, but noted that their impact had lessened over the years due to advancements like tubewells, handpumps, and the employment guarantee programme.
However, Mr. Gehlot expressed concern that recent changes to the employment guarantee system might reduce people's assurance of getting work on demand, stressing that the State government must ensure adequate relief works are in place in the affected regions. Criticizing the current administration, Mr.
Gehlot referred to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's recent announcement in Barmer regarding emergency measures. He alleged that even three days after the announcement, the related orders had not reached the District Collectors. "It should not remain only on paper.
These issues have to be taken seriously if the government wants to deal with the situation effectively," he asserted.
Chief Minister Sharma had previously announced the continuation of emergency drinking water arrangements and tanker supplies until December 31, 2026, in low-rainfall areas.
He also authorized the opening of fodder depots in Barmer, Balotra, Jaisalmer, and other affected areas, and sanctioned emergency works up to ₹1 crore through District Collectors. Beyond immediate relief, Mr. Gehlot also demanded a waiver of farmers' loans, reminding the public that the previous Congress government had waived farm loans worth approximately ₹14,000 crore.
He stated that Congress leaders at all levels would visit affected areas to monitor the progress of relief works, ensure timely payments, and verify the adequacy of fodder and drinking water provisions.
