Karnataka to Declare 102 Taluks Drought-Hit at Next Cabinet Meeting

Karnataka is preparing to declare 102 taluks as drought-hit at the upcoming State Cabinet meeting, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday. The announcement comes as the state witnesses one of its four worst rainfall deficiencies recorded since 1976.

Mr. Parameshwara, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, stated that the state government has completed the ground-truthing exercise for 102 eligible taluks. Following formal approval from the Cabinet, a memorandum will be submitted to the Union government seeking financial drought assistance. He added that the ground-truthing process will be extended to remaining taluks in the coming days.

Out of Karnataka's 240 taluks, 175 are currently facing a rainfall deficit, while 14 are experiencing a severe deficit. Between June 1 and August 24, the state received 454 mm of cumulative rainfall against the normal average of 654 mm, reflecting an overall deficit of 31%. Region-wise, the deficit stands at 41% in South Interior Karnataka, 35% in Malnad, 31% in North Interior Karnataka, and 24% in the coastal belt.

Addressing demands from legislators for an immediate drought declaration, Mr. Parameshwara explained that norms under the Centre's 2020 Drought Manual prevent immediate declarations. Contending that several parameters in the manual are unfavourable to farmers, he noted that the State has appealed to the Centre for relaxations and urged Opposition parties to support the demand.

The Deputy Chief Minister warned of tougher conditions ahead, noting that satellite forecasts project continued rainfall deficits through the rest of August and September. Water storage in the state's reservoirs stands at 679.6 tmcft, compared to 790 tmcft during the same period last year, while storage in minor irrigation and Zilla Panchayat tanks remains negligible.

Drinking water is currently being supplied via tankers to 758 villages and 114 urban wards. The government estimates that up to 2,059 villages could face shortages next summer if conditions do not improve. A total of ₹306 crore has been released so far for emergency drinking water arrangements.

Agricultural operations have also been severely disrupted. Sowing has been completed across only 60 lakh hectares, or 71% of the targeted 84.10 lakh hectares. With 132 taluks facing severe groundwater stress, Mr. Parameshwara urged the public to prioritise groundwater conservation.