How Much Rainfall Did Talukas in Gujarat’s Four Drought-Hit Districts Receive?

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Monday declared Kutch, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Porbandar districts drought-affected after they recorded significantly deficient rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season.

Rainfall data as of October 4, a day after the seasonal withdrawal of the monsoon, shows that Devbhumi Dwarka received just 16.45% of its long-term average rainfall, followed by Porbandar at 30.86%, Jamnagar at 43.26% and Kutch at 57.60%.

The figures, compared with the respective talukas’ average rainfall for 1996–2025, highlight the uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall across the four districts. Devbhumi Dwarka recorded the highest rainfall deficiency at 83.55%, followed by Porbandar at 69.14%, Jamnagar at 56.74% and Kutch at 42.40%.

Devbhumi Dwarka: Worst Hit

In Devbhumi Dwarka district, Kalyanpur was the worst-affected taluka, receiving only 7.86% of its average rainfall, a deficiency of 92.14%.

Khambhalia received 15.93% of its average rainfall, while Bhanvad recorded 24.30% and Dwarka 20.40%.

The district’s average rainfall stood at 138.50 mm, against a long-term average of 842 mm.

Porbandar

In Porbandar district, Porbandar taluka received 19.18% of its average rainfall, recording a deficiency of 80.82%.

Ranavav received 27.38% of its average rainfall, while Kutiyana recorded 45.39%. The district’s average rainfall stood at 261.67 mm, against a long-term average of 848 mm.

Jamnagar

Jamnagar district received 323.50 mm of rainfall against its long-term average of 747.83 mm. Among its talukas, Lalpur recorded the lowest proportion of its average rainfall at 26.87%, representing a deficiency of 73.13%.

Jamnagar taluka received 39.02% of its average rainfall, followed by Kalavad at 41%, Jodiya at 48.07%, Jam Jodhpur at 50.57% and Dhrol at 57.17%.

Kutch

Kutch recorded the highest proportion of average rainfall among the four districts declared drought-affected, although several of its talukas still faced substantial deficits.

Abdasa received 37.86% of its average rainfall, followed by Nakhatrana at 47.13%, Lakhpat at 47.73%, Mundra at 51.82% and Anjar at 53.30%. Bhuj received 60.59% of its average rainfall, Mandvi 61.98%, Gandhidham 64.19%, Bhachau 63.84% and Rapar 82.62%.

The district’s average rainfall stood at 287.90 mm, against a long-term average of 499.80 mm.

Relief Announced by Government

Announcing the drought declaration, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the government had taken the decision after following the procedures prescribed under the Government of India’s 2016 drought assessment guidelines and holding high-level meetings. Gujarat received around 89% of its overall average rainfall this year, but the four districts experienced inadequate and delayed rainfall, affecting agricultural and livestock-related activities.

Under the relief package, farmers whose crops have been affected will receive assistance of ₹8,500 per hectare, subject to a maximum of two hectares, in accordance with State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. The government has also decided to provide 150 days of employment under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), known as VB-G RAM G, in the drought-affected districts.

To support livestock owners, assistance of ₹80 per animal per day will be provided for animals housed in cattle camps for two months through the SDRF. After this period, the state government will bear the cost of continuing the assistance. DeshGujarat