Jaipur: Agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena Wednesday said relief work in drought-affected areas of Rajasthan would begin after completion of the survey.He was responding to former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s demand for immediate action amid concerns over deficient rainfall.Speaking to the media at BJP headquarters, Meena said, “Eight to 10 districts had received less rainfall. Officials and district collectors are gathering information on the situation, while the revenue department is completing the survey. Action would be taken in the affected areas based on the survey report,” he said.Earlier, Gehlot had demanded an early crop-loss assessment, declaration of affected areas as drought-hit and the launch of relief work, alleging that BJP govt had failed to understand the seriousness of the situation.He said farmers and livestock owners in several parts of western Rajasthan were facing shortages of water and fodder.Meena said, “Relief would start reaching affected farmers and livestock owners as soon as the survey was completed. Gehlot ji should not try to spread confusion.”Gehlot had claimed that drought-like conditions prevailed in around 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 villages in Barmer, 1,216 villages in Balotra and 961 villages in Jaisalmer.Referring to Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur, Gehlot had described the situation as worrying. He demanded the opening of fodder depots, arrangements for drinking water, cattle relief camps and employment in rural areas. He also urged the state govt to seek assistance from Centre.
