Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma held a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office in Jaipur to review drought-related disaster management and relief operations across the state.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary and senior officials from departments involved in disaster management, agriculture, water supply, animal husbandry and rural administration.

Sharma issued directions aimed at ensuring timely relief in drought-affected areas and improving coordination between departments.

80 Tehsils Declared Drought-Affected

Rajasthan has declared 80 tehsils across 14 districts drought-affected for the 2026 kharif season.

Of these:

• 69 tehsils have been classified under severe drought

• 11 tehsils are in the moderate drought category

The declarations were issued in late October following assessments of rainfall shortages, crop conditions and declining water availability.

Relief Focus on Farmers and Rural Families

The state administration is focusing on providing assistance to farmers, livestock owners and rural households affected by drought conditions.

District officials have been asked to assess local requirements and ensure eligible families receive relief under applicable government rules.

Key concerns include crop losses, drinking water shortages, fodder availability and livestock welfare.

Water Supply and Fodder Arrangements Under Review

District administrations have been directed to regularly monitor:

• Drinking water availability

• Fodder depots

• Animal camps

• Water for livestock

• Veterinary services

• Crop damage assessments

Revenue, agriculture, animal husbandry and Public Health Engineering officials have also been asked to coordinate closely while implementing relief measures.

State Disaster Response Mechanism Activated

Rajasthan’s Disaster Management, Relief and Civil Defence Department operates a statewide relief system that includes animal camps, fodder depot registration and emergency assistance mechanisms.

The state’s disaster-management framework calls for coordinated action between water resources, agriculture, revenue, health, animal husbandry and other departments during drought situations.

Farmers May Receive Multiple Relief Measures

Under drought-relief provisions, eligible farmers and rural households may receive assistance linked to crop damage and other losses.

Measures can also include support such as postponement of land-revenue recovery, loan-related relief and assistance for livestock and drinking water, depending on eligibility and government orders.

Drought Monitoring to Continue

The Rajasthan drought relief review reflects the government’s effort to maintain closer monitoring as several western and rural districts face prolonged rainfall deficits.

Sharma directed departments to ensure that relief operations remain responsive to local conditions and that assistance reaches affected communities without unnecessary delay.

The state government is expected to continue reviewing drought conditions, agricultural losses and water availability as the relief period progresses.