Gehlot urges Rajasthan govt to prepare for drought-like conditions

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday urged the state government to begin preparations to tackle possible drought-like conditions, claiming that more than half of Rajasthan was facing such a situation.

In a statement, the Congress leader said several dams had not filled to capacity and crops had been damaged, causing concern among farmers and the general public.

"More than half of Rajasthan is facing drought-like conditions. The dams are not completely full. Farmers' crops have been burnt and there is concern among people. No one knows what will happen to the Rabi crop," Gehlot said.

He urged the government to take immediate steps in view of the emerging situation.

Gehlot alleged that no survey had so far been conducted to identify drought-affected areas and that there had been no discussion on announcing a relief package.

"So far, neither has any survey of drought-affected areas been conducted nor has there been any talk of announcing a relief package," he said.

The Congress leader also questioned when the BJP government would address the concerns of farmers and the people of Rajasthan.