Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Karnataka Declares 23 More Taluks Drought-Affected, Total Reaches 124
Karnataka has said that 23 more taluks are facing drought.
This brings the total number of drought-affected taluks in the state to 124.
A drought means there has not been enough rain and crops may not grow properly.
Officials checked villages, soil moisture and crop conditions before making the decision.
Twenty-one of the new taluks were called severely affected, while two were called moderately affected.
The decision allows officials to begin relief and response work.
Officials will also survey damaged crops to estimate the help farmers may need.
More areas could be added after further scientific checks.
The Karnataka government declared 23 additional taluks drought-affected, raising the total notified so far to 124.
Of the newly declared taluks, 21 are classified as severely drought-affected and two as moderately drought-affected.
The decision followed ground-truthing in 214 villages and a scientific assessment by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre.
The declaration takes effect immediately and will remain in force for six months, with district officials authorised to undertake relief measures.
Crop-loss surveys will be conducted, while 53 taluks in 17 districts have been selected for a third phase of ground-truthing.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, supported by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre and district officials.
- What
- Declared 23 more taluks drought-affected, bringing the notified total to 124.
- When
- The additional declaration was issued on Thursday, September 17, and is effective for six months.
- Where
- Across Karnataka, including taluks in districts such as Tumakuru, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Dharwad and Kodagu.
- Why
- Because deficient monsoon rainfall and continuing dry conditions have affected soil moisture and crops.
- Newly declared taluks
- 23
- Total drought-affected taluks
- 124
- Severely affected among new taluks
- 21
- Moderately affected among new taluks
- 2
- Assessment basis
- Ground-truthing and a comprehensive Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre assessment
- Ground-truthing conducted
- 214 villages across 24 taluks
- Declaration duration
- Six months
- Further assessment
- 53 taluks in 17 districts selected for third-phase ground-truthing