Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recently issued a stark warning regarding an impending water and fodder crisis across the state, urging immediate government intervention. Speaking to media at Jodhpur airport on Monday before his departure for Jaipur, Gehlot highlighted critical concerns over diminishing water inflows into dams and significant crop damage.
The veteran leader painted a grim picture of the situation, noting that low fodder production could severely challenge livestock protection and rural employment. He specifically mentioned water scarcity already manifesting in Jodhpur, cautioning that drought-like conditions were spreading across various parts of Rajasthan, threatening to exacerbate the crisis.
Gehlot pressed the state government to formulate a comprehensive action plan to guarantee drinking water and sufficient fodder supplies. His recommendations included officially identifying and declaring drought-affected tehsils and villages, establishing fodder depots, arranging procurement from other states, and opening relief camps for livestock. He also advocated for subsidies and other financial relief for cattle herders, citing the potential burden of rising fodder prices.
Beyond agricultural concerns, Gehlot expressed dismay over the impact on rural livelihoods, particularly for daily-wage labourers without agricultural land. He questioned how these poor families would sustain themselves amidst declining farm work and the alleged suspension of employment opportunities under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin).
Shifting focus, the former Chief Minister also voiced criticisms regarding the conduct of municipal corporation elections in Jodhpur and Jaipur, alleging that the governing body formations did not align with the Congress's higher vote share. He subsequently appealed to rural voters to actively participate in upcoming Panchayat and Zila Parishad elections. Further, Gehlot condemned the delay in registering an FIR in the Ritu Barala case, suggesting that prompt police action could have averted the sit-in protest led by Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra and other party leaders, raising questions about government and police administration efficacy.
Image: mangalorean.com
đŸ“° Source: Mangalorean News