Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Rajasthan Rainfall Deficit Spurs Gehlot’s Call for Drought Preparedness
Rajasthan has received less rain than usual this monsoon.
The state got about 295 millimetres of rain instead of the normal 375 millimetres by September 3.
This means rainfall is about 21 per cent below average.
Many districts may face problems with farming and water supplies.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asked the government to prepare early for a possible drought-like situation.
He said the main time for planting some crops has already passed.
Weather officials expect more rain in parts of eastern Rajasthan soon.
However, western Rajasthan may continue to receive weaker rain, so some areas could still face water shortages.
Rajasthan received 295.30 mm of rain from June 1 to September 3, compared with a normal 374.55 mm.
The state’s monsoon rainfall deficit stood at 21.16 per cent, with 21 districts reporting deficient rainfall.
Deeg recorded the highest surplus at 31.04 per cent, while Phalodi received 21.57 per cent above normal.
Ashok Gehlot urged the government to immediately prepare a contingency plan for possible drought-like conditions.
The Meteorological Department forecast renewed rain in eastern Rajasthan, while western areas are expected to see weaker monsoon activity.
- Who
- Rajasthan, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and the Meteorological Department.
- What
- Rajasthan has recorded a 21.16 per cent monsoon rainfall deficit, prompting Gehlot to seek early drought preparedness.
- When
- Rainfall data covers June 1 to September 3; Gehlot made his appeal on Thursday, with further rain forecast for September 4 to 6.
- Where
- Across Rajasthan, with heavier rain forecast in parts of eastern Rajasthan and weaker conditions in western Rajasthan.
- Why
- The rainfall shortfall could affect agriculture, drinking-water supplies, and livestock if it continues.
Early Preparedness
Reliance on Forecast Rainfall
Response to the rainfall deficit
Early Preparedness
Ashok Gehlot says the government should immediately formulate a contingency plan because the situation is delicate and preparations could reduce risks to agriculture, drinking water, and livestock.
Reliance on Forecast Rainfall
The Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity, which could help reduce the rainfall shortfall in some areas.
Agricultural outlook
Early Preparedness
Gehlot warned that the main period for kharif sowing has already passed and said authorities should act before conditions worsen.
Reliance on Forecast Rainfall
The forecast indicates that additional rain may still occur in some areas, and sowing could remain possible in places if rains arrive.
- Rainfall received
- 295.30 mm between June 1 and September 3
- Normal rainfall
- 374.55 mm for the same period
- Statewide deficit
- 21.16 per cent
- Districts with deficient rainfall
- 21 districts
- Districts with normal rainfall
- 18 districts
- Highest surplus
- Deeg, at 31.04 per cent above normal
- Forecast
- Heavy rain is likely in parts of eastern Rajasthan on September 4 and 5