Ashok Gehlot urges Rajasthan drought contingency plan

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the state government to create a comprehensive contingency plan for drought. He spoke to reporters in Jaipur on Sunday, October 4, 2026, warning of severe drought-like conditions across western Rajasthan that threaten water, fodder, and employment.

Gehlot claimed the state is experiencing its worst drought in a decade. He reported specific conditions from the previous day, Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Several other parts of Marwar and the state were also affected. Gehlot called on the BJP-led state government to ensure adequate drinking water and fodder supplies, contain fodder price hikes, and provide employment and wages to affected workers. "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," Gehlot said.

Criticism of delayed implementation and past measures

Gehlot criticised the delay in implementing the government's own emergency orders. He alleged that even after three days, written instructions related to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's announcement in Barmer had not reached the District Collector. Local officials were reportedly still waiting for written approval 48 hours after the announcement.

The former chief minister argued that changes to the employment guarantee system have reduced the assurance of getting work on demand. He acknowledged that the impact of past droughts had reduced over the years due to tubewells, handpumps, and the employment guarantee programme.

Government’s announced relief measures

The state government has announced a series of relief measures. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma authorised District Collectors to sanction emergency works of up to ₹1 crore. On Wednesday, October 1, 2026, he announced the continuation of emergency drinking water arrangements and tanker supply until December 31, 2026, in low-rainfall areas.

The government also plans to open fodder depots in Barmer, Balotra, Jaisalmer, and other affected areas.

Additional demands and political context

The veteran Congress leader made additional demands for economic relief. Gehlot demanded that farmers' loans be waived, recalling that the previous Congress government had waived farm loans worth about ₹14,000 crore.

He highlighted the immediate crisis of rising fodder costs, stating prices have risen to roughly ₹1,200 per maund in Jodhpur, Barmer and Balotra. In a post on X, he noted that rising fodder costs increase the financial burden on livestock owners, leading many to abandon animals. Gehlot stressed that announced measures must be effectively implemented. "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 said.

Gehlot said Congress leaders at block, district, and State levels would visit affected areas to assess relief works, timely payments, and arrangements for fodder and drinking water.