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Unseasonal rains bring much relief in Rajasthan

Kamla Bora in Jaipur

Unseasonal rains in May, at the height of summer, is traditionally not considered a good omen in Rajasthan but this year there were few complaints when the skies opened up ahead of schedule.

Rains, which lashed most parts of the state this week, provided great relief to the people who have been facing an acute drinking water shortage.

Although the government, under its contingency plan, is supplying drinking water in 26 districts, the livestock have been left to nature's mercy.

Reports reaching the state headquarters suggest that the cattle dying in large numbers in western Rajasthan after consuming brackish water, have been saved by the rains.

The livestock population of Rajasthan outnumbers the human population. While 25 million people are reeling under drought and famine conditions, the number of cattle needing help is around 40 million in the affected areas.

In desert and arid land, the rural economy thrives on livestock breeding.

Since all drinking water sources have dried up due to the failure of monsoons for three consecutive years, the livestock population is the worst hit.

The recent rains brought lots of cheer to farmers who were concerned over the fate of their animals.

Experts feel that although the rains damaged some Rabi crop, the loss is not much when weighed against what they meant to the livestock.

The rains should relieve the animals' plight for at least the next 15 to 20 days, when the summer is at its worst.

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