Rajasthan government should prepare contingency plan to deal with ‘drought-like’ situation: Ashok Gehlot

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday (October 4, 2026) asked the State government to prepare a contingency plan to deal with the "drought-like" situation in parts of the State, warning that drinking water, fodder and employment could emerge as major concerns in the coming months.

Talking to reporters in Jaipur, Mr. Gehlot, a veteran Congress leader, said the government should take the situation very seriously and begin preparations immediately. "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," he said.

Mr. Gehlot had claimed on Saturday (October 3, 2026) that drought-like conditions prevailed in about 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 villages in Barmer, 1,216 villages in Balotra and 961 villages in Jaisalmer district, while several other parts of Marwar and the State were also affected.