The Rajasthan government has announced a special relief package worth ₹9,321 crore to provide assistance in drought-affected areas of the state. The measures are aimed at supporting farmers, livestock owners and rural communities facing difficulties due to deficient rainfall.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reviewed drought management and relief measures during a meeting of the Disaster Management, Relief and Civil Defence Department in Jaipur on November 13. He directed officials to maintain coordination with district administrations and ensure the timely implementation of relief measures.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Rajasthan has announced a special drought relief package worth ₹9,321 crore.
A total of 87 tehsils across 15 districts have been declared drought-affected.
73 tehsils fall under the severe drought category and 14 under the moderate category.
Drinking water, irrigation and fodder availability are among the key priorities.
Officials have been directed to assess Kharif crop damage through Girdawari surveys.
Employment and livelihood activities will be undertaken in affected areas.
The Chief Minister instructed the concerned departments to ensure adequate drinking water, irrigation facilities and fodder for farmers and livestock. He also directed officials to operate fodder depots wherever required and make arrangements for drinking water and fodder for animals through gaushalas.
The Rural Development Department was asked to undertake employment and livelihood-related activities in affected areas through government programmes, including VB-G RAM G, Rajeevika and housing schemes.
Sharma also directed officials to assess Kharif crop damage through Girdawari surveys and prepare assessment reports to facilitate relief for affected cultivators. The Public Health Engineering Department was instructed to ensure drinking water availability according to contingency plans, while the Energy Department was asked to prioritise electricity connections for agricultural tubewells.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Drought conditions affect agricultural production, rural livelihoods and livestock management. The relief package and related directions aim to address essential resource requirements and provide assistance to communities facing rainfall-related difficulties.
According to the state government, 87 tehsils across 15 districts have been declared drought-affected due to deficient rainfall during the monsoon season. Of these, 73 tehsils fall under the severe drought category, while 14 have been classified as moderately drought-affected.
