‘Thousands of Cows Dead’: Gehlot Sounds Alarm Over Rajasthan Drought, Targets BJP Government

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday accused the BJP government of turning a blind eye to the worsening drought situation in the state, warning that shortages of water and fodder were pushing rural communities and livestock into distress. He demanded immediate relief measures before the crisis escalates further.

Speaking to reporters at his residence before leaving for Jaisalmer, the senior Congress leader said the situation was particularly alarming in western Rajasthan, including Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur. He alleged that the state government had failed to recognise the severity of the crisis, even as villages struggled with growing water shortages.

Gehlot claimed that thousands of cows had died in Jaisalmer due to a lack of fodder and water. He said rising fodder prices had further increased the burden on livestock owners, many of whom depend on cattle for their livelihoods.

Warning of wider consequences, the former chief minister said water scarcity was becoming increasingly serious across Rajasthan, with dams running dry. Without timely intervention, the situation could lead to major difficulties in securing drinking water and meeting irrigation requirements, he cautioned.

Gehlot urged the government to complete girdawari, or crop damage assessments, without delay and launch drought relief operations immediately. He called for adequate arrangements to supply drinking water and fodder to livestock, establish cattle relief camps and provide employment to people in drought-affected areas.

Recalling his tenure, Gehlot said his government had begun drought relief operations as early as August 16 on one occasion and continued them for 10 to 11 months, underlining the need for sustained intervention rather than short-term announcements.

He also questioned why the BJP government, which he described as a “double-engine government”, had not approached the Centre for assistance. He called on the chief minister to personally monitor the situation and ensure relief reached affected villages.

“Long speeches and announcements will not help,” Gehlot said, urging the government to act immediately to prevent further hardship for farmers, livestock owners and rural families.

The Congress leader warned that drought management required timely planning and sustained action, stressing that delays could deepen the crisis and make access to essential resources even more difficult for people in the affected regions.