Karnataka Declares 23 More Taluks Drought-Hit, Tally Rises to 124

Karnataka has expanded its drought response with the declaration of 23 additional taluks as drought-affected, taking the total number of notified drought-hit taluks to 124 for Kharif 2026. The latest decision comes amid continuing rainfall deficits, declining water availability and crop stress across several regions, while the state has begun another round of field verification covering 53 additional taluks.

The Revenue Department's latest notification follows the first-phase declaration of 101 drought-affected taluks on August 27. Of the 23 newly notified taluks, 21 are severely drought-affected and two moderately affected. The declaration is effective immediately for six months. Overall, 110 of the 124 notified taluks are classified as severe and 14 as moderate.

The latest assessment followed KSNDMC's scientific evaluation of the remaining 139 taluks and ground verification in 214 villages across 24 taluks. Authorities assessed rainfall, soil moisture, crop conditions and other indicators before recommending the additional notifications. The government said the KSNDMC will continue reviewing the drought situation every week, with further taluks eligible for notification being added in phases.

The crisis follows a significant monsoon shortfall. Between June 1 and August 26, Karnataka received 465 mm of rainfall against a normal 666 mm, a deficit of about 30%. South Interior Karnataka recorded a 41% deficit, followed by Malnad at 35%, North Interior Karnataka at 31% and the coastal region at 24%. Earlier assessments showed only about 60 lakh hectares had been sown against a normal 84.10 lakh hectares, while soil-moisture deficiency was reported in 178 taluks, vegetation stress in 165 and groundwater decline in 132.

Water storage has also come under pressure. As of September 15, Krishnaraja Sagar held 19.20 TMC, against 39.36 TMC a year earlier, while Hemavathi had 15.81 TMC against 31.72 TMC and Kabini 1.14 TMC against 8.32 TMC. However, reservoir conditions vary considerably across regions.

For immediate relief, the government has authorised Deputy Commissioners to implement measures under SDRF guidelines. It has already released ₹306 crore for drinking-water measures and ₹25 crore for fodder-seed kits. Earlier, 758 villages were receiving drinking water through 149 tankers and 714 hired private borewells, while employment-generating works are also being prioritised.

The state has estimated losses of around ₹18,000 crore in the initial 101 drought-hit taluks and is seeking additional central assistance. Karnataka has sought ₹1,200 crore under SDRF, while crop-loss surveys are being conducted to determine farmer assistance.

Meanwhile, 53 more taluks across 17 districts have been selected for third-phase ground verification. Officials will inspect fields on September 19 and 20 using the ‘Crop Loss GT’ mobile application, recording geo-tagged photographs, GPS information and crop damage. Final reports are due by September 21.

The government has said monitoring will continue through the monsoon, leaving open the possibility of further drought notifications as Karnataka confronts an expanding agricultural and water-security challenge.