Home / Environment / Thar Desert Endures 46°C Heatwave, Canal Woes Persist
Thar Desert Endures 46°C Heatwave, Canal Woes Persist
5 Jun
Summary
- Rajasthan's Thar Desert faces extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 46°C.
- A 45-day closure of the Indira Gandhi Canal for maintenance exacerbates water scarcity.
- Villagers use traditional and modern methods like thatched roofs and drip irrigation for survival.
Families in Rajasthan's Thar Desert are facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures in Bikaner district reaching over 46°C as of June 5, 2026. The situation is exacerbated by the 45-day closure of the Indira Gandhi Canal, the region's primary water source, for essential maintenance. This closure, a routine procedure to address seepage and repair the canal's dilapidated condition, has critically impacted water availability for drinking, livestock, and upcoming kharif crop irrigation.
Villagers are employing resilient strategies to combat the extreme heat and water scarcity. Traditional adaptations include homes with thatched roofs and walls made of cow dung and clay to provide natural insulation. Modern techniques like drip irrigation are used to conserve water and maintain soil moisture. Drought-resistant crops such as jowar are being cultivated for fodder. The rise in demand for work under the MGNREGS is also supporting the local economy and mitigating agrarian distress.
