Rajasthan has recorded a 21.16 per cent rainfall deficit during the ongoing monsoon season, with the state receiving only 295.30 mm of rain between 1 June and 3 September against the normal 374.55 mm for the period, according to Meteorological Department data. The shortfall has heightened concerns over water availability and agricultural stress across several districts, prompting former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to demand immediate drought contingency planning from the current state government.

District-Level Rainfall Picture

Of Rajasthan's districts, 21 have recorded deficient rainfall, while 18 are within the normal range. Only two districts have received above-normal precipitation, and none has been classified under the 'abnormal' or 'scanty' category so far this season.

Deeg recorded the highest surplus at 31.04 per cent above normal, followed by Phalodi at 21.57 per cent above normal. These pockets of excess, however, mask a much wider pattern of deficiency across the state. The uneven spatial distribution of monsoon rainfall means that while some districts have adequate moisture, a majority continue to face a significant shortfall.

Early Onset, Below-Normal Totals

What makes this deficit particularly notable is that the monsoon arrived in Rajasthan earlier than usual this year. Despite the advance onset — which typically signals a stronger season — cumulative rainfall has remained well below normal. This is the third time in recent years that an early monsoon onset in the state has not translated into adequate seasonal totals, underlining the growing unpredictability of rainfall patterns in the region.

Gehlot Urges Immediate Contingency Plan

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday called on the state government to formulate a contingency plan without delay, cautioning that waiting for conditions to deteriorate before acting would be a costly mistake. Drawing on Rajasthan's long history of drought management, Gehlot stressed the need for advance measures to protect agriculture, drinking water supply, and livestock.

'Look at the monsoon situation, I've already appealed to the government three or four times, made requests. From my experience, I'd like to say again, if the government starts now — because the time for kharif sowing has already passed, though it might still be possible in some places if the rains come. The situation is very delicate,' Gehlot said.

This is reportedly not the first time Gehlot has raised the alarm this season; he stated he had already made the appeal 'three or four times' before this latest statement.

Fresh Rainfall Forecast for Parts of the State

The Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity over Rajasthan in the coming days. Heavy rainfall is likely in parts of eastern Rajasthan on 4 and 5 September, with light to moderate rain expected across the Bharatpur, Kota, Jaipur, Ajmer and Udaipur divisions.

Western Rajasthan, however, is expected to remain largely subdued. Most areas in the Jodhpur division are likely to see weak monsoon conditions, though light to moderate rainfall may occur in Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu and Nagaur between 4 and 6 September. Even if the fresh spell delivers, its uneven distribution may leave multiple districts vulnerable to continued water stress and agricultural disruption.