Ashok Gehlot Warns of Water and Fodder Crisis in Rajasthan, Urges Government Action

Jaipur, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has issued a warning regarding a potential crisis of water and fodder in Rajasthan. Speaking to the media at the airport before heading to Jaipur, he urged the government to take immediate action to address the situation and seek supplies from other states.

During his visit to Jodhpur, Gehlot expressed concern over the low inflow of water into reservoirs, crop losses, and reduced fodder production. He cautioned that these issues could pose serious challenges to livestock safety and rural employment.

Gehlot noted that water-related problems are already emerging in Jodhpur and warned that conditions could worsen in other parts of Rajasthan, many of which are experiencing drought-like situations. He called on the government to develop a comprehensive action plan to ensure adequate drinking water and fodder supplies before the situation deteriorates further.

He suggested that the government should identify drought-affected tehsils and villages and initiate the process of officially declaring them drought-stricken. Gehlot also demanded the establishment of fodder depots, arrangements for fodder procurement, and the opening of relief camps for livestock.

Rising fodder prices, he warned, could impose an economic burden on farmers. He urged the government to consider subsidies and other relief measures to assist affected families. Emphasizing the need for proactive planning, Gehlot stated that timely arrangements for drinking water, fodder, and livestock security are essential to prevent further distress in rural communities.

Gehlot expressed concern about the impact of crop losses on rural livelihoods, particularly for poor families without agricultural land who rely on daily wage labor. He referenced the “Developed India Employment and Livelihood Guarantee Mission (Rural)” and warned that job opportunities under this scheme could diminish, exacerbating the situation.

He raised questions about how rural workers would sustain their livelihoods amid crop losses and reduced employment opportunities. Gehlot also voiced concerns over the conduct of municipal elections and alleged irregularities therein.

Citing examples from Jodhpur and Jaipur, he claimed that the formation of local bodies does not reflect the increased vote share received by Congress. He appealed to rural voters to actively participate in the upcoming panchayat and district council elections to choose their representatives.

Additionally, Gehlot criticized the government for the delay in filing an FIR in the Ritu Barala case, suggesting that prompt police action could have prevented the current turmoil that led to protests by state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra and other party leaders. He stated that the necessity for senior party leaders to protest raises questions about the government’s efficiency and the police administration’s handling of complaints.