2 hrs ago
Karnataka May Declare 25 More Taluks Drought-Hit Soon
Karnataka is checking which areas are suffering from a lack of rain and water.
The government has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit.
Officials say 25 more taluks meet the rules for that declaration.
They may be officially notified soon.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the checks are still continuing.
He said more than 200 taluks could eventually be affected, except in the coastal region.
The government must follow Union government rules to receive financial help from the Centre.
Some legislators said their areas were unfairly left out, but Parameshwara denied that politics influenced the list.
Karnataka also plans to discuss Tamil Nadu’s alleged Cauvery water use at a scheduled authority meeting.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said 25 additional Karnataka taluks qualified for drought-hit status and would be notified soon.
The state has already declared 101 taluks drought-hit in the first assessment phase.
Parameshwara said more than 200 taluks could eventually be declared drought-hit, excluding areas along the coast.
The assessment uses Union government norms, satellite imagery, ground verification and scientific studies to qualify Karnataka for central assistance.
The government will also raise Tamil Nadu’s alleged use of Cauvery water for agriculture at the Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, led on this issue by Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara, along with legislators and drought-assessment officials.
- What
- The government is assessing 25 additional taluks for drought-hit status and expects to notify them soon.
- Where
- Across Karnataka, with the coastal region described as largely excluded from the drought-like conditions; the statement was made in Bengaluru.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday; the second-phase assessment is ongoing, with further evaluation tied to the southwest and northeast monsoons.
- Why
- To identify drought-hit areas under Union government rules and remain eligible to seek central drought assistance.
Government Position
Critics’ Concerns
Whether taluks were deliberately excluded
Government Position
G. Parameshwara said drought declarations are based on prescribed scientific and Union government criteria, not political affiliation, and called claims of deliberate exclusion baseless.
Critics’ Concerns
Some Karnataka legislators protested that their constituencies had been intentionally left out of the drought-hit list despite facing severe drought.
Key facts
- Already declared drought-hit
- 101 Karnataka taluks
- Additional taluks under consideration
- 25
- Potential statewide total
- More than 200 taluks could be declared drought-hit
- Assessment method
- Satellite-based imagery, ground-truthing and scientific assessments
- Eligibility requirement
- Union government norms must be followed to seek central assistance
- Coastal region
- Parameshwara said drought-like conditions prevailed across Karnataka except the coastal region
- Other issue raised
- Karnataka will discuss Tamil Nadu’s alleged Cauvery water use at the Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting
Quotes
G. Parameshwara
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister
“In the first phase, 101 taluks have already been declared drought-hit. The assessment for the second phase is currently underway. Twenty-five taluks have qualified for declaration as drought-hit areas and they will be notified soon.”
thehansindia.com
“Last year, around 200 taluks were declared drought-hit. This year too, there is a situation where more than 200 taluks could be declared drought-hit. Except for the coastal region, drought-like conditions prevail across the State.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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