The Rajasthan government has rolled out a Rs 9,321 crore special package aimed at drought‑hit areas across the state. The move comes after officials declared 87 tehsils as severely affected by water scarcity.
Key takeaways
- Rs 9,321 crore allocated for drought relief.
- 87 tehsils officially classified as drought‑affected.
- Funds earmarked for water projects, fodder supply and farmer support.
- Implementation will be coordinated by state agencies and local bodies.
Scope of the Rajasthan drought package
The special package targets three priority areas: improving water supply infrastructure, providing emergency fodder for livestock and extending financial assistance to small‑holder farmers. By addressing these pillars, the state hopes to curb the immediate impact of the drought and lay groundwork for longer‑term resilience.
Water supply initiatives
Under the Rajasthan drought package, a substantial share will finance the construction of new check‑dams, rejuvenation of existing ponds and installation of community bore‑wells. The aim is to boost groundwater recharge and ensure that villages receive a reliable source of drinking water.
Fodder and livestock support
Livestock owners in the 87 affected tehsils will receive subsidised fodder kits. The package also includes provisions for setting up fodder‑production units that can operate during the lean season, helping pastoral families maintain herd health.
Assistance for farmers
Small and marginal farmers will benefit from direct cash transfers and low‑interest credit facilities. The state plans to link these funds with existing schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, ensuring that irrigation projects receive complementary financing.
| Component | Allocation (crore) |
|---|---|
| Total package | 9,321 |
| Number of drought‑affected tehsils | 87 |
Implementation and monitoring
State departments, including Water Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, will oversee fund disbursement. A joint monitoring committee comprising senior officials and local representatives will track progress and address bottlenecks.
What’s next?
The Rajasthan drought package will be rolled out over the next twelve months. Residents of the affected tehsils are advised to stay in touch with local panchayat offices for updates on water projects and fodder distribution schedules. Early engagement can help communities benefit promptly from the announced relief measures.
FAQ
Which areas are covered by the Rajasthan drought package?
The package applies to 87 tehsils that the state government has officially classified as drought‑affected.
How much money is allocated for water supply projects?
A significant portion of the Rs 9,321 crore package is earmarked for building check‑dams, reviving ponds and installing community bore‑wells, though exact figures have not been disclosed.
Will farmers receive direct cash assistance?
Yes, the scheme includes direct cash transfers and low‑interest credit to support small and marginal farmers.
How can residents track the progress of relief measures?
A joint monitoring committee will publish regular updates through local panchayat offices and state portals.
When will the relief measures start reaching the ground?
Implementation is scheduled to begin within weeks of the announcement and will continue over the next year.
