JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has announced a Rs 9,321 crore special relief package covering 87 drought-affected tehsils across 15 districts, where deficient monsoon rainfall has triggered drinking water shortages, crop losses and a fodder crisis.
This move comes amid a sharp political row over drought management during the final phase of panchayat elections.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reviewed the drought situation at a meeting of the Disaster Management, Relief and Civil Defence Department on Friday. He also directed officials to expedite relief measures and maintain close coordination with district administrations.
According to the government, 73 of the 87 notified tehsils have been classified as severely drought-affected, while 14 fall under the moderate category.
The affected areas are spread across Churu, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, Dungarpur, Nagaur, Pali, Phalodi, Beawar, Barmer, Balotra, Banswara, Bikaner, Rajsamand and Sirohi districts.
Rajasthan has witnessed one of its most severe drought situations in recent years, with monsoon rainfall falling nearly 20% below normal.
Western districts have been particularly affected, with Pali recording a rainfall deficit of around 58%, while Jaisalmer and Jalore received over 50% less rainfall than usual.
The drought has also emerged as a major political issue in the final phase of panchayat elections, with the opposition Congress accusing the BJP government of failing to respond adequately to the crisis.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has alleged that famine-like conditions prevail in several areas, particularly in western Rajasthan, where drinking water shortages have intensified. He has criticised the government over disruptions in water supplies from Punjab and demanded a complete loan waiver for farmers.
Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, however, has blamed the previous Congress government for delays and alleged mismanagement of water infrastructure projects.
Agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena has also rejected the opposition's allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
Under the relief package, the Rural Development Department will undertake employment and livelihood initiatives through VB-Jiram-G, Rajivika and housing schemes. Farmers will be considered for assistance based on assessments of kharif crop losses.
The Public Health Engineering Department has been instructed to implement contingency drinking water arrangements, while the Energy Department will prioritise electricity connections for agricultural tubewells.
The government has also directed officials to arrange fodder depots wherever required and ensure drinking water and fodder supplies for livestock through cow shelters.
CM Sharma instructed district administrations to continuously monitor relief operations and ensure timely assistance to affected households.