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Karnataka to Declare 25 More Taluks Drought-Hit Amid Severe Rainfall Deficit
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In Short: Karnataka is set to declare 25 more taluks drought-hit, with 30 out of 31 districts experiencing below-normal rainfall.
The Indian State of Karnataka is facing a severe rainfall deficit, with 30 out of 31 districts receiving less than half the normal amount of rain, according to data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre. Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, and Ballari districts are among the worst-hit, with deficits ranging from 52 per cent to 59 per cent.
Bengaluru Urban district, which received only 44 per cent of its normal rainfall, is one of the worst-affected areas. With 183 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 8, compared to a normal of around 320 mm, the district is experiencing significant water shortages. The only district to have received normal rainfall is Belagavi, with a 14 per cent deficit.
Malnad and coastal districts, which serve as prime catchment areas for rivers originating in the state, are also suffering from deficits ranging from 20 per cent to 36 per cent. The minister responded to JD(S) legislator Sharan Gowda Kandakur’s allegation of disparity in declaring districts drought-hit, asserting that the process is based on objective criteria rather than political considerations.
The declaration of these additional taluks as drought-hit will make them eligible for specific government relief measures, which are crucial for mitigating the impact of the ongoing water crisis.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Revenue Minister G Parameshwara said the assessment of the drought in the state was being carried out in phases.
- “In the first phase, 101 taluks have already been declared drought-hit. The second phase of assessment is now in progress, and 25 more taluks have qualified to be declared drought-hit. They will be notified shortly,” he said.
- Recalling that more than 200 taluks were declared drought-hit in 2023, the minister said more than 200 taluks could be declared drought-hit this year too.
- “The allegation that certain taluks have been deliberately excluded is baseless. Drought does not occur based on political affiliation. The list (of drought-hit taluks) already includes taluks represented by Opposition legislators as well,” he said.
Sources
- The Indian Expresslink