Rajasthan Drought Notification: 80 Tehsils in 14 Districts Affected

Jaipur, October 26: Rajasthan has classified 80 tehsils across 14 districts as drought-hit, after low monsoon rainfall and losses to standing crops pushed the state to act.

According to a notification issued on Sunday, the affected tehsils fall under either severe or moderate drought categories. Jodhpur, Jalore, Barmer, Balotra, Pali, Dungarpur and Jaisalmer, along with some areas of other districts, feature in the list.

The move follows concerns over crop damage, shortage of water and the availability of fodder for livestock. Yogeshwar Garg, Chief Whip in the Assembly, said the state had seen drought-like conditions in several areas and that the government was compelled to take remedial steps. Fodder depots will be set up in the affected regions, he said, and farmers and cattle rearers will be helped as much as possible. Garg also confirmed that 10 tehsils of Jalore district had been declared drought-affected.

District-wise, Jodhpur has 12 tehsils on the list, Jalore 10, Barmer 10, Balotra 9, Pali 8, Dungarpur 7, Jaisalmer 7, Phalodi 7, Banswara 3, Beawar 2, Churu 2, Bikaner 2, and Nagaur and Sirohi one each.

The drought-related government provisions will remain effective in these areas for six months from the date of the notification. The decision was based on an assessment by the Disaster Management and Relief Department, which examined rainfall deficiency, groundwater levels, surface water availability and crop losses.

The declaration is expected to help administrative and relief work in the affected areas, including arrangements for animal fodder and water, and other assistance under state rules.

Rainfall data indicates that Pali received 58 percent less rain than normal, Jaisalmer 54 percent less and Jalore 50 percent less. Banswara recorded a 39 percent deficit, Sirohi 36 percent, Balotra 28 percent, Jodhpur 27 percent and Dungarpur 24 percent.