The Karnataka government has declared 53 additional taluks as drought-hit, bringing the total number to 177 and leaving nearly three-quarters of the state under drought conditions. This expansion followed a fresh assessment of indicators like rainfall and crop condition, after the state previously declared 101 taluks drought-affected and added 23 more. Karnataka has experienced a rainfall deficit of 36 per cent, receiving about 642 mm of rain against a normal of roughly 852 mm. South Interior Karnataka is the worst hit with a 46 per cent shortfall, while North Interior Karnataka has a 44 per cent deficit. Officials have described the situation as one of the worst droughts in well over a century.
The decision follows opposition protests over previously excluded taluks, including a bandh in Davanagere’s Jagalur. The BJP has mocked the government for repeatedly revising the list and leaving affected farmers waiting for relief. Meanwhile, the drought has intensified political friction and coincided with the Cauvery dispute with Tamil Nadu.
The declaration allows the state to release relief funds, seek assistance from the Centre under disaster norms, and trigger measures such as providing drinking water, fodder banks, and rural employment support.