Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara says the current rainfall deficit ranks among the four worst since 1976. The state will declare 102 taluks drought‑hit after the upcoming cabinet meeting.

  • 102 taluks will be officially declared drought‑hit.
  • Rainfall deficit of 31% recorded between June‑August.
  • ₹306 crore released so far for drinking‑water relief.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara told the Karnataka Legislative Assembly that the present rainfall shortfall is one of the four worst recorded since 1976. He announced that 102 taluks will be declared drought‑hit after discussion in the next cabinet meeting, followed by a memorandum to the Centre seeking assistance.

Out of 240 taluks, 175 are experiencing a rainfall deficit, with 14 facing a severe shortfall. Ground‑truthing for the 102 eligible taluks has been completed, and the exercise will continue in the remaining areas.

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From June 1 to August 24, the state received only 454 mm of rain against the normal 654 mm – a 31% deficit. The shortfall breaks down to 31% in North Interior Karnataka, 41% in South Interior, 35% in the Malnad region and 24% along the coast.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a drought declaration will ripple through agriculture, water‑resource planning, rural employment and social stability, demanding swift policy action.

"The agriculture minister emphasized that strengthening the supply network is essential to get water to farmers on time," said a senior water‑policy expert.

Satellite‑based forecasts predict continued rainfall deficits for the rest of August and September. Reservoir storage stands at 679.6 tmcft, well below last year’s 790 tmcft for the same period.

Drinking‑water is being supplied by tankers to 758 villages and 114 urban wards. If conditions worsen, an estimated 2,059 villages could face water scarcity next summer, prompting pre‑emptive measures.

Agricultural sowing has reached only 71% of the targeted area – 60 lakh hectares out of the 84.10 lakh‑hectare goal. Moreover, 132 taluks are under severe groundwater stress, leading the government to push groundwater‑conservation initiatives.

Did You Know?: 2026 marks the lowest average rainfall recorded in Karnataka, triggering the largest‑scale drought declaration in the state’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What will be the impact of the drought declaration on farmers and the general public?

A: The declaration accelerates central financial and technical assistance, while prioritizing water‑conservation measures and emergency supply schemes.

Q: What kind of support is expected from the central government?

A: Assistance under the 2020 Centre’s Drought Manual – including financial grants, drip‑irrigation subsidies and emergency water‑supply aid – is being sought.