Bengaluru — Karnataka’s deputy chief minister and revenue minister G Parameshwara announced on Sunday that the state’s drought‑affected list could exceed 200 taluks as the assessment continues through the monsoon season.
Parameshwara said the government is conducting the assessment in phases, using prescribed criteria and ground‑truthing. The first phase declared 101 taluks drought‑affected, followed by an additional 24 taluks. He added that 52 more taluks are expected to be added in the next three to four days, with a further roughly 50 taluks slated for ground‑truthing in a subsequent phase. Taluks such as Jagaluru, not yet on the list, could be included later if they meet the criteria. “People need not be anxious if their taluk has not yet been included in the list,” he told reporters.
A three‑day Special Session of the state legislature will be convened to frame relief demands, farmer‑support measures and Karnataka’s case before the Union government. The session will also consider the Kasturirangan report on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats and will take into account opposition viewpoints.
During the session, the government plans to seek relief for crop losses and to request a waiver of farmers’ loans from the Centre. Parameshwara said the state intends to keep the opposition informed and present its demands collectively to the Union government.
According to the deputy chief minister, the 101 taluks declared drought‑affected in the first phase have reported agricultural losses of around Rs 18,000 crore. Karnataka has asked the Centre for about Rs 3,500 crore in relief through a first memorandum, with second and third memoranda to follow after later phases are completed.
Parameshwara recalled that last year the state suffered estimated losses of roughly Rs 39,000 crore. Karnataka then sought Rs 18,000 crore in relief but received only about Rs 3,400 crore. He urged the Union government to consider broader measures to support farmers nationwide and to revive the farm‑loan waiver scheme announced during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure.
The deputy chief minister also alleged that Karnataka is not receiving its due share of central funds and that disbursements under various schemes have been inadequate.
The Special Session is expected to begin later this week, with the state’s drought‑relief package and loan‑waiver request forming the core agenda.
Sources
– India Today, “Karnataka drought list may cross 200 taluks as assessment continues,” September 20 2026, https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/karnataka-drought-200-taluks-special-session-relief-crop-losses-ptag-2998822-2026-09-20?utm_source=rss
Source: India Today – India
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Story synopsis gathered from: India Today – India — source
