Rajasthan faces 21 pc rainfall deficit, Gehlot calls for contingency plan

Rajasthan has recorded a 21.16 per cent rainfall deficit this monsoon, with 21 districts receiving deficient rainfall. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the government to prepare for drought-like conditions, while fresh rain is forecast over several regions

Jaipur: Rajasthan has recorded a 21.16 per cent rainfall deficit so far this monsoon season, raising concerns over water availability and agricultural conditions across several parts of the state. Against this backdrop, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged the state government to begin preparations for a possible drought-like situation rather than wait for conditions to worsen.

According to Meteorological Department data, the state received 295.30 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 3, against the normal 374.55 mm for the period. Rainfall deficiency has been reported across a large part of Rajasthan, with 21 districts recording deficient rainfall and 18 districts receiving normal rainfall. Only two districts have reported above-normal rainfall, while no district has so far been classified under the ‘abnormal’ or ‘scanty’ category.

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Among the districts, Deeg recorded the highest excess rainfall at 31.04 per cent above normal, followed by Phalodi with 21.57 per cent surplus rainfall. Salumbar remained within the normal rainfall category. The figures highlight the uneven spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall across the state, with some districts receiving adequate precipitation while many others continue to face a significant shortfall.

The deficit is particularly noteworthy because the monsoon arrived in Rajasthan earlier than usual this year. Despite the early onset, cumulative rainfall has remained below normal.

On Thursday, Ashok Gehlot called upon the state government to formulate a contingency plan immediately, warning that authorities should not wait for the situation to deteriorate before initiating preventive measures.

Referring to Rajasthan’s past experience with drought conditions, Gehlot stressed the need for advance planning to minimise the impact on agriculture, drinking water supply and livestock if the rainfall deficit persists.

“Look at the monsoon situation, I’ve already appealed to the government three or four times, made requests. From my experience, I’d like to say again, if the government starts now — because the time for kharif sowing has already passed, though it might still be possible in some places if the rains come. The situation is very delicate,” Gehlot said.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity over Rajasthan in the coming days, offering some hope to deficit-hit regions. Heavy rainfall is likely in parts of eastern Rajasthan on September 4 and 5, while light to moderate rain is expected across sections of the Bharatpur, Kota, Jaipur, Ajmer and Udaipur divisions.

Western Rajasthan, however, is expected to continue witnessing relatively weak monsoon conditions. Most areas in the Jodhpur division are likely to remain subdued, though light to moderate rainfall may occur in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu and Nagaur between September 4 and 6.

With the state already facing a rainfall deficit of more than 21 per cent, the coming days will be crucial. While fresh rainfall could help narrow the shortfall, its uneven distribution may continue to leave several districts vulnerable to water stress and agricultural challenges, underlining the importance of early preparedness measures.