Brussels, 23/12/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has adopted a humanitarian aid decision worth EUR 3 million to help victims of the drought that has hit Rahjastan in India. The funds will be channelled through ECHO, the EU Humanitarian Office. Since the start of the summer, 80% of crops sown in Rahjastan have perished as a result of the prolonged drought, and the result has been a significant reduction in the availability of food. The region also has a drinking water shortage as wells have dried up. For many people, the only water now available is contaminated. The Commission's decision is intended to provide specific aid to half a million people. Tankers will provide clean water to more than 100,000 beneficiaries and some 350,000 people will receive food supplies and fodder for their animals. In addition, ECHO's implementing partners will run labour-intensive projects to set up water systems. The objective is to boost the availability of clean water and to mitigate the effects of future droughts. The World Health Organisation is also receiving support for the establishment of a malnutrition monitoring system. In all, more than 7 million people should benefit directly or indirectly from the programmes funded under the decision.