The Rajasthan government has announced a special drought relief package worth Rs 9,321 crore.
It covers 87 tehsils spread across 15 districts.
These areas face drinking water shortages, crop losses and a fodder crisis. The rains this season have been weak.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Key points
- The package is worth Rs 9,321 crore and covers 87 tehsils in 15 districts.
- 73 tehsils are classified as severely drought-affected, and 14 as moderately affected.
- Monsoon rainfall has been nearly 20 per cent below normal.
- The opposition Congress has criticised the government during the panchayat elections.
So what is causing this drought?
Monsoon rainfall in Rajasthan has fallen nearly 20 per cent below normal.
The government calls it one of the most severe drought situations the state has seen in recent years.
The western districts have been hit hardest. Pali recorded a rainfall deficit of around 58 per cent.
Jaisalmer and Jalore received over 50 per cent less rain than usual.
What will the package actually do?
The Rural Development Department will start jobs and livelihood programmes.
These include VB-Jiram-G, Rajivika and housing schemes.
The Public Health Engineering Department will arrange backup drinking water.
The Energy Department will give priority to electricity connections for farm tubewells.
Officials will set up fodder depots where needed. Animals will get water and fodder through cow shelters.
Farmers will be considered for help based on assessments of kharif crop losses.
Why has this become a political fight?
The drought has become a major issue in the final phase of panchayat elections.
The Congress party has accused the BJP government of responding poorly.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that famine-like conditions exist in parts of western Rajasthan.
He also demanded a complete loan waiver for farmers.
Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat blamed the previous Congress government for delays in water projects.
Agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena called the opposition's allegations politically motivated.
Explainer
What happened before
- Rajasthan's monsoon rainfall has been about 20 per cent below normal, one of the most severe drought situations in recent years.
- Pali recorded a rainfall deficit of around 58 per cent, while Jaisalmer and Jalore received over 50 per cent less rainfall than usual.
- The drought has become a major political issue during the final phase of panchayat elections.
Why it matters
Drinking water, crops and animal fodder are all under pressure in many districts, affecting farming families across the state.
What to watch next
- Farmers will get help based on assessments of kharif crop losses.
- The government has asked district administrations to monitor relief work continuously.
