BENGALURU: The state government has declared 101 taluks as drought-affected for Kharif 2026, following an assessment based on parameters prescribed under the Manual for Drought Management, 2020. The declaration will remain in force for six months unless revoked earlier by the state government.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said the government will submit a memorandum to the Centre seeking drought relief assistance by the end of August, based on the estimated losses. He said the state will continue to review the evolving drought situation. He said of the 101 taluks, 89 have been categorised as severely affected, while 12 have been classified as moderately affected.
The government order issued on Thursday by Manoj Kumar Meena, Relief Commissioner and Secretary to Government, Revenue Department (Disaster Management), stated that Deputy Commissioners and District Disaster Management Authorities have been authorised to undertake necessary drought relief and response measures in accordance with prevailing SDRF norms.
Govt orders surveys to assess crop loss
The State Government has also directed officials to conduct joint surveys to assess crop losses and submit reports promptly. The state government will review the drought situation on a weekly basis until the end of the Kharif 2026 season and may notify additional taluks as drought-affected based on further assessment.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Parameshwara said from June 1 to August 26, the state received only 465 mm of rainfall against the normal 666 mm, which is a deficit of 30 percent. “While South Interior Karnataka recorded a 41 percent deficit, Malnad 35 percent, North Interior Karnataka at 31 percent and the coastal region at 24 percent,” he said.
He said the government is prepared to address the drought situation through employment generation, drinking water supply, fodder availability and other relief measures. “Once drought-affected taluks are officially notified, SDRF funds can immediately be used for drinking water needs,” he said.
A DRY SPELL
Against the normal sowing area of 84.10 lakh hectares, only 60 lakh hectares have been sown
Soil moisture deficiency reported in 178 taluks
Vegetation stress confirmed in 165 taluks through satellite assessment
Groundwater levels have declined in 132 taluks
Reservoir storage at present is 684.09 tmcft, compared to 815.70 tmcft last year
Drinking water supplied to 758 villages through 149 tankers and 714 hired private borewells
Government has released Rs 306 crore for drinking water measures
151 lakh tonnes of fodder stock is available; Rs 25 crore released for fodder seed kits
49 lakh farmers enrolled under the Fasal Bima Yojana and application deadline extended to August 31