Karnataka’s drought situation is worsening, with the number of drought-hit taluks expected to rise to 177 and potentially touch 200, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara told the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

Taking part in a discussion on the drought situation, Parameshwara said the state was facing a serious rainfall deficit that was affecting agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods across regions.

“Let the state’s interest come before politics,” he urged the Opposition, calling for a united position that could be presented before the Union government to seek relief for the state and its farmers.

53 more taluks to be added

Karnataka had initially declared 101 taluks drought-hit. Following further assessment, 23 more taluks were added.

Now, another 53 taluks are expected to be included, taking the total to 177, Parameshwara said. He added that the number could rise to around 200 as assessments continue.

The minister said the drought was not restricted to a few parts of Karnataka but had emerged as a wider state-level crisis.

“Severe rainfall deficiency has been recorded across the state, affecting agriculture activity and farmers’ livelihoods. We are taking the situation seriously,” he said.

Parameshwara also attributed part of the rainfall deficit to the El Niño phenomenon.

Karnataka records 36% rainfall deficit

According to figures presented by the minister, Karnataka normally receives around 852 mm of rainfall, while only 642 mm had been recorded between June and September this year.

The overall rainfall deficit stood at 36%, with the deficit varying significantly across regions:

South Interior Karnataka: 46%
North Interior Karnataka: 44%
Malnad: 38%
Coastal Karnataka: 28%

Parameshwara said the government was following the drought assessment guidelines prescribed by the Union government and would continue monitoring the situation.

“We will not step back from our responsibility. We will continue assessing the situation and ensuring that relief reaches farmers,” he said.

The Revenue Minister also appealed to legislators to set aside political differences and arrive at a common position on the drought crisis.

“Arrive at a united position and let us present it before the Union government in the larger interest of the state,” he said.