Bengaluru, September 24, 2026: Karnataka is facing an intensifying drought situation, with the number of drought-affected taluks rising to 177 as the state government continues its assessment of rainfall and agricultural conditions. The development has increased concerns over crop losses, drinking-water availability, livestock and reservoir storage across several parts of the state.
The state had initially declared 101 taluks drought-affected for the Kharif 2026 season. Following further assessment, additional areas were brought under the drought declaration, taking the total to 177. The Karnataka government has indicated that more taluks could be added as ground-level assessments continue.
Karnataka had submitted a Kharif 2026 drought memorandum seeking ₹3,705.30 crore in central assistance for immediate relief measures in the initially declared drought-hit taluks.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has now written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the release of 50% of the memorandum amount—approximately ₹1,852.65 crore—as interim financial assistance while the Centre's formal assessment and approval process continues.
According to the state government's request, the funds would be used for measures including assistance for crop losses, drinking-water supply, livestock protection and other drought-relief interventions. The Chief Minister has also sought advance release of the Centre's share of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund.
The drought situation is closely linked to rainfall deficiency during the 2026 monsoon season. Reports citing statements made in the Karnataka legislature said the state had recorded a significant cumulative rainfall deficit, with some interior regions experiencing larger shortages.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said drought declarations are based on prescribed assessment criteria, including rainfall and ground-level conditions. The Karnataka government has said the assessment process will continue as the monsoon season progresses.
A Karnataka government notification dated September 22 formally declared an additional 53 taluks drought-affected and directed authorities to undertake crop-loss assessments. It also stated that the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre would continue weekly assessments during the Kharif season.
The situation is also drawing attention to water availability. The Chief Minister's letter highlighted concerns over reservoir storage, particularly in the Cauvery basin, and its potential implications for drinking-water supplies in Bengaluru and surrounding districts in the coming months.
The government is continuing to assess crop damage and conditions in newly declared drought areas. Further relief measures are expected to depend on the ongoing assessments and the response to Karnataka's request for central assistance.
For farmers and rural communities, the immediate priorities remain agricultural relief, drinking water, livestock protection and support for livelihoods affected by deficient rainfall.
