The Barmer administration has sought Rajasthan government approval to open fodder depots in rainfall-deficient parts of the district, while directing officials to arrange tanker-based drinking water supply in villages facing a water crisis. The proposed measures are aimed at supporting livestock owners affected by poor rainfall and an acute shortage of fodder.
Proposals have been forwarded for fodder depots in affected villages across the Shiv, Ramsar and Gadra Road tehsils. The depots will begin operating after the state government grants approval. They are expected to provide subsidised fodder to livestock owners in areas where inadequate rainfall has made it difficult to maintain animals.
Barmer district collector Chinmayi Gopal said the administration was monitoring conditions arising from the rainfall deficit and was taking steps to ensure the availability of fodder and drinking water. The administration’s proposals followed field-level assessments and recommendations received from sub-divisional officers and tehsildars.
Gopal said proposals for animal camps and fodder depots had been sought from officials across the district. The proposals sent to the state government were based on information gathered through these administrative assessments, according to the report.
The district administration has also directed the Public Health Engineering Department to ensure drinking water reaches villages through tankers. The direction covers areas that received very little rainfall and are now experiencing water shortages. Administrative and PHED officials are visiting villages to assess local conditions and coordinate relief measures.
The immediate concern extends beyond drinking water for residents. Poor rainfall has reduced the availability of fodder for livestock, increasing pressure on households that depend on animals for their rural livelihoods. The proposed depots are intended to make fodder available at subsidised rates in the affected areas once the state approval process is complete.
The proposals come after reports of drought-like conditions and acute fodder shortages in Barmer and neighbouring Jaisalmer. The Barmer administration’s current response is focused on identifying affected villages, arranging water through tankers and seeking state clearance for fodder depots and animal camps.
The next step is the Rajasthan government’s decision on the proposals. Until approval is granted, the district administration will continue field assessments and tanker water arrangements through the Public Health Engineering Department.
