Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwar, released the details of drought affected regions in Karnataka, and address press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru
Reeling under the impact of poor and erratic monsoon, Karnataka has declared about 101 taluks in the State as drought-affected. Deputy chief Minister G Parameshwar said the state faces a serious drought like situation as rainfall was well below normal resulting in drying up of crops.Karnataka had received cumulative rainfall of 465 mm during the June 1-August 26 period against a normal of 666 mm. Rainfall deficit was 24 per cent in coastal Karnataka and 41 per cent in South Interior Karnataka, 31 per cent in North Interior Karnataka and 35 per cent in Malnad. The deficit rains have impacted the kharif sowing, and only about 60 lakh hectares have been sown against a target of 84 lakh hectares. Horticulture crops, particularly chilli, onion and tomato, have been badly affected due to deficit rain, he said.Groundwater level downGroundwater levels had fallen below the 10-year average in 132 taluks, with some areas recording a decline of more than 1,000 feet, he said. About 134 taluks were initially identified as potential drought-affected and subjected to ground-truthing, following which 101 were found eligible for declaration as drought affected. Of the 101 taluks, 89 taluks were classified as severe and 12 as moderate.The declaration of drought would be based on the parameters prescribed by the Centre, such as dry spells of at least three weeks, sowing levels, crop condition, soil moisture, groundwater levels and water availability in lakes, tanks and dams. Parameshwara said the government was taking steps to ensure drinking water, fodder and employment support as drought-like conditions persisted.Published on August 27, 2026
