Jaipur, Aug. 2 -- With nearly half of the southwest monsoon season over, 18 districts in Rajasthan are facing a rainfall deficit, while the state's dams are less than half full, data released by the state water resources department showed. According to the data, Rajasthan has received an average of 192.09 mm of rainfall so far, 9.57% below the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast normal to law rainfall in August, raising concerns over water availability in several parts of the state. However, the department has issued rainfall alerts for parts of Rajasthan over the next two days. The IMD said the monsoon is likely to remain active for the next five to six days across most parts of the Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer and Udaipur divisions in eastern Rajasthan, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected at isolated places. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of the Kota and Udaipur divisions and adjoining southeastern districts during this period. In western Rajasthan, rainfall activity is expected to increase over parts of the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, with heavy to very heavy rain likely at isolated places until August 2. Thereafter, weather conditions are expected to turn largely dry across Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner from the second week of August. The state's water storage situation also remains a concern. According to the Water Resources Department, reservoirs across Rajasthan are currently 44.46% full, reflecting the impact of uneven monsoon rainfall. The 18 districts currently recording rainfall deficiency are Banswara, Baran, Bundi, Dausa, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Karauli, Khairthal-Tijara, Kota, Kotputli-Behror, Pali, Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi and Udaipur. Seventeen districts have recorded normal rainfall so far: Ajmer, Alwar, Balotra, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Churu, Deeg, Dholpur, Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sikar and Tonk. Meanwhile, Barmer, Beawar, Bikaner, Didwana-Kuchaman and Salumbar have received above-normal rainfall. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday expressed concern over the rainfall deficit and urged the state government to prepare for a possible drought-like situation. Speaking to reporters at the Circuit House in Jodhpur, Gehlot said, "I am deeply concerned that even after half the monsoon has passed, many districts in the state are still receiving inadequate rainfall. According to media reports, a famine-like situation is developing in around 18 districts. The government should immediately address this issue." He said the government should prioritize arrangements for drinking water, cattle fodder and employment, while strengthening district administrations and ensuring timely financial approvals to prevent the situation from worsening. Responding to Gehlot's remarks, Rajasthan BJP chief spokesperson Ramlal Sharma said, "Ashok Gehlot need not worry about the rains. We are fully confident that Rajasthan will receive good rainfall in the coming days. Even if rainfall remains below normal due to natural factors, the government is fully prepared to handle the situation promptly." Taking a swipe at the Congress amid its recent internal discord, Sharma added, "For now, Gehlot should stop worrying about the state and instead pay attention to what his own state president, Govind Singh Dotasra, has been saying about him."...