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Rajasthan Drought: Gehlot Urges Immediate Action on Livelihood Crisis, Not Just Rain Shortage
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News18•04-10-2026, 12:57
Rajasthan Drought: Gehlot Urges Immediate Action on Livelihood Crisis, Not Just Rain Shortage
- •Former CM Ashok Gehlot warns that Rajasthan faces a looming drought, threatening employment, fodder, and drinking water, urging proactive government preparation.
- •Gehlot emphasizes that the crisis extends beyond rainfall deficit to a potential livelihood catastrophe for rural laborers and farmers.
- •He advises the government to prepare for employment works, water, and fodder arrangements now, citing past experiences and the need for immediate action.
- •Gehlot criticizes the slow relief system, using Barmer as an example, and stresses the importance of timely aid delivery to affected families.
- •He also suggests waiving farmers' loans, recalling his government's 14,000 crore rupee waiver, to stabilize their economic situation during drought.
Key Questions Answered
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot advised the government to prepare a contingency action plan in advance, which includes opening employment works, securing drinking water for humans and animals, and making proper fodder management arrangements.
Gehlot cited Barmer, noting that even three days after the Chief Minister announced assistance, the official orders had still not reached the District Collector, highlighting a dangerous gap between announcements and ground relief.
Gehlot recommended immediate relief for farmers, including the waiver of agricultural loans, recalling that his own administration previously waived farmers' loans worth 14,000 crore rupees to help stabilize their economic situation.
