Five Bengaluru Taluks Declared Drought-Affected Amid Rain Deficit

Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bengaluru East, Yelahanka, and Anekal are among 101 taluks across Karnataka declared drought-affected following a continuing rainfall deficit in the region. The city district, which typically records its heaviest showers during August and September, experienced scanty rainfall as August drew to a close.

Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara said the state government would submit a memorandum to the Centre seeking drought relief by the end of August or in the first week of September. Crop losses are currently being assessed across the state to prepare the memorandum, after which central teams are expected to visit and conduct surveys before funds are released.

Parameshwara said officials would continue to monitor rainfall conditions for another 15 days, noting that more taluks could be added to the list. The government has identified drinking water supplies, livestock fodder, and local employment generation to prevent rural migration as its immediate priorities.

The minister stated that compensation for farmers would be determined on a per-acre basis. He also urged the Union government to immediately release Rs 1,200 crore approved under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Once released, the SDRF assistance—shared between the Centre and the state in a 75:25 ratio—would be distributed to affected farmers within seven to 10 days.

Recalling the severe drought in 2023, Parameshwara noted that Karnataka had faced estimated losses of Rs 39,000 crore and sought Rs 18,000 crore in central assistance, ultimately receiving Rs 3,500 crore following Supreme Court directions.