Drought threat in Rajasthan

While 60 per cent or more rainfall was recorded in five districts in 2008,it was 59 per cent in only three districts of Rajsamand,Udaipur and Barmer this monsoon.

As against six districts that received less rainfall in 2008,this time 19 districts fall in the category of drought or water scarcity zones.

The remaining 11 of the total 33 districts have received rainfall up to 19 per cent as of on Monday.

“If the second phase of monsoon skips the desert state,the situation of famine can emerge,” an agricultural department spokesman said.

Reviewing the rainfall status at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday,Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the state will have to gear up for any eventuality by September.

He asked the officials to prepare a contingency plan to make available water for drinking as well as irrigation during Kharif crop season.