Climate Change Impact on Rajasthan 2026 is a crucial topic for RAS preparation as it directly affects water security, agriculture, public health, and rural livelihoods. Understanding climate risks, adaptation strategies, and SAPCC policies helps aspirants write analytical and Rajasthan-focused answers in Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges facing Rajasthan today. Located largely in arid and semi-arid zones, the state is highly vulnerable to rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, prolonged droughts, accelerated desertification, water scarcity, and climate-linked agricultural stress. These changes have direct implications for water security, food production, public health, livelihoods, natural ecosystems, and socio-economic development — all of which are important for RPSC RAS Prelims, Mains, and Interview preparation.

Rajasthan’s unique geography — including the Thar Desert, sparse rainfall, and high evapotranspiration rates — magnifies climate impacts compared to other regions. As the trend of warming is expected to persist and the rainfall patterns are ever more erratic, the state is exposed to compounded risks which impact its economy, environment, and society. The Rajasthan State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is developed to deal with these susceptibilities by undertaking strategic mitigation and adaptation measures.

1. Rising Temperatures & Heatwaves

Rajasthan has been facing rising average temperatures and higher heat waves which have been far above the long term averages. Heatwaves do not only affect human health negatively due to heat stress and heatstroke, but also decrease labour productivity, enhance energy use in cooling, and disorient ecosystems. Recent statistics have indicated that temperatures in summer are often above 45°C in many districts.

Key Impacts:

• Higher risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths
• Reduced outdoor labour capacity (agriculture, construction)
• Increased energy consumption for cooling
• Stress on urban infrastructure and water demand

Evidence: Heatwave intensity in desert zones like Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner has risen, impacting human health and labour productivity.

2. Erratic Rainfall & Drought Conditions

Rajasthan has low rainfall and very erratic rainfall hence quite drought prone. Climate change exacerbates this change, creating erratic weather patterns of monsoons -droughts as well as torrential rains that enhance runoff over soil moisture. This variability has an impact on crop planning, recharge of ground water, and water storage facilities.

Seasonal Rainfall Trends

Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan (MJSA) and other adaptation measures are essential in enhancing the water harvesting and storing on the surface water, as well as improving the resilience to drought.

3. Water Scarcity & Groundwater Decline

The groundwater of Rajasthan is experiencing extreme stress due to over-extraction and recharge of the rainfall. Reports suggest that though certain areas of the state record small recharge, the number of districts record decreasing water tables, which endanger drinking water sources and irrigation.

Water Stress Indicators

• Depleted aquifers in northern and central districts
• Increasing dependence on surface water and tankers
• Low natural recharge due to heat and evaporation

Key Drivers:

• High irrigation demand
• Rapid groundwater extraction
• Climate-induced reduced recharge

Water augmentation programs and efficient management are key policy responses.

4. Agriculture & Food Security

Approximately 65 percent of the population in Rajasthan relies on agriculture which is climate sensitive. Late or erratic monsoons, heat stress, and alterations of soil moisture decreases crop production compelling farmers to alter cropping or leave old crops.

Crop Risk Matrix

Climate change causes more water in arid areas such as Thar Desert to be used in agriculture and so the water stress intensifies and the sustainability of agriculture is diminished.

5. Desertification & Land Degradation

Rajasthan - especially around the Thar Desert area - is prone to desertification as fertile land becomes sterile up to wind erosion, loss of vegetation and extended dry spells. Climate change increases the rate of this process, which leads to loss of soil fertility and an increase in dust storms.

Impacts:

• Loss of arable land
• Soil erosion
• Reduced biomass and vegetation cover
• Increased wind and dust hazards

Efforts to conserve the Aravalli Range and expand tree plantations enhance land stability and climate resilience.

6. Public Health Risks Due to Climate Change in Rajasthan

The problem of climate change is posing an increased health risk to the population in Rajasthan because of temperature rise, excessive heat waves, water shortage, and erratic rain patterns. Rajasthan being a dry state is very susceptible to heat stress, lack of safe drinking water and shifting patterns of diseases. RAS under Environment, Disaster Management, and Public Health Governance is critical on this topic.

Major Health Challenges

Heat-Related Illnesses

• Heatstroke and dehydration
• Increased summer mortality
• High risk for outdoor workers

Water-Borne Diseases

• Diarrhea and cholera
• Poor water quality during droughts

Vector-Borne Diseases

• Dengue and malaria due to stagnant water

Pressure on Health Infrastructure

• Increased patient load during heatwaves
• Need for climate-resilient health systems

For RAS Mains, link this topic with climate adaptation policies, Heat Action Plans, water security, and strengthening rural healthcare systems.

7. Socio-Economic & Rural Livelihood Impacts

The rural economies especially those that rely on agriculture, livestock and their associated activities are climate stressed. Unpredictable weather patterns enhance the insecurity of income, drive communities to migration, and enhance rural poverty.

8. Rajasthan State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC)

In response to climatic challenges, the Government of Rajasthan has devised the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) - a broad based mitigation and adaptation plan.

SAPCC Focus Areas

The plan emphasizes cross-sectoral coordination and incorporates SDG goals (especially SDG 13 – Climate Action and SDG 15 – Life on Land).

Conclusion

Climate change has come to the forefront of the development pattern of Rajasthan. An increase in temperatures, water insecurity, food insecurity, and ecosystem pressures, as well as health insecurities, demand holistic climate-responsible policies. To RAS aspirants, the connection between climate impacts and water governance, agricultural sustainability, rural economies, health systems, and environmental policies is essential in giving high marks in GS Papers and Interviews.

Understanding Rajasthan’s climate risks, adaptation strategies, and policy frameworks like SAPCC prepares candidates to answer policy and governance questions with depth, relevance, and analytical insight.

FAQs