Veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday claimed that Rajasthan is facing its worst drought in 10 years and urged the state government to immediately prepare a comprehensive contingency plan for drinking water, fodder and employment in the affected areas.
Drought-like conditions across Rajasthan
The former chief minister claimed that 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 district, while several other parts of Marwar and the state were also affected.
He said fodder shortage was becoming a serious problem for livestock owners, claiming that its price has risen to around Rs 1,200 per maund in Jodhpur, Barmer and Balotra.
“The biggest impact of drought and famine is on animals. As fodder prices rise, the financial burden on livestock owners increases, forcing many to abandon their animals,” Gehlot said in a post on X.
He demanded that the BJP government in Rajasthan take immediate steps to check rising fodder prices and ensure adequate availability of fodder and drinking water across the state.
Gehlot seeks fodder, water and employment measures
The Congress leader also called for advance arrangements to provide employment and wages to workers in the drought-affected areas so that families could get timely relief.
Gehlot flags delay in government approvals
Referring to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's announcements in Barmer earlier this week, Gehlot claimed that even after 48 hours, the local administration was awaiting written approval from the government.
“Such delays will not work. A very challenging period lies ahead of us. The government must immediately act and prepare a comprehensive contingency plan for the entire state and issue the necessary approvals,” he said.
Sharma had on Wednesday announced continuation of emergency drinking water arrangements and tanker supply till December 31 in the low-rainfall areas.
He also announced the opening of fodder depots in Barmer, Balotra, Jaisalmer and other affected areas and authorised sanction of emergency works of up to Rs 1 crore through district collectors.