101 Taluks in Karnataka Declared Drought-Hit

27-Aug-2026 06:52 PM

Bengaluru. Due to deficient or irregular Southwest Monsoon rainfall, the Karnataka government has decided to declare 101 taluks in the state as drought-hit for the Kharif 2026 season. This decision was taken following a thorough review of the overall situation during a crucial meeting of the state cabinet.

According to official sources, Karnataka received 437 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 21 this year, which is 31 percent less than the long-term average (LPA) of 635 mm. Rainfall in June was only 116 mm, 42 percent below the LPA of 199 mm. July also saw 29 percent less rainfall across the state. Out of the 73 days between June 1 and August 12, the state experienced deficient or scanty rainfall for 43 days, with prolonged dry spells persisting.

During the period from June 1 to August 21, rainfall deficiency was recorded in 29 districts, while two districts experienced normal rainfall. Across these districts, 176 taluks received below-normal rainfall, and 15 taluks received scanty rainfall; only 49 taluks recorded normal or excess rainfall.

The rainfall deficit led to a reduction in the sowing area for certain Kharif crops, poor seed germination in several regions, a severe lack of soil moisture, and an increased incidence of pest and disease attacks on crops.

An assessment and analysis of the rainfall-deficient areas were conducted based on various parameters, a process completed in three stages. Subsequently, based on ground-level realities, 1,539 villages across 102 taluks in 25 districts were identified as suitable for classification as drought-hit areas. Ultimately, the decision was made to declare 101 taluks as drought-hit. Under this, 89 talukas have been included in the list of severely drought-affected areas, while the remaining 12 talukas have been listed as moderately drought-affected.