Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured that all areas facing genuine drought conditions will be reviewed, amid concerns from districts left out of the state's first drought-hit list.The assurance comes after the Karnataka government declared 101 taluks as drought-affected for the Kharif 2026 season, based on prescribed drought-management criteria. Of these, 89 taluks were classified as severely affected and 12 as moderately affected.The state has said the drought situation will continue to be assessed and that additional taluks can be included if subsequent assessments establish that they meet the required criteria.

32 more taluks under review

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said 32 additional taluks were under consideration for drought-hit status. The areas include parts of Bengaluru Rural, Davangere, Mandya, Raichur, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Uttara Kannada districts.The government has made clear that drought declaration is not based solely on rainfall deficiency. Officials are also examining crop losses, soil moisture, groundwater levels and other prescribed indicators.The situation in Kalaburagi has emerged as one example. Farmers and local representatives have sought inclusion of the district's taluks after reporting significant rainfall shortages and crop damage. Officials have been conducting field-level assessments before a final decision.

Karnataka records significant rainfall deficit

The drought concerns follow a substantial rainfall shortfall during the 2026 monsoon.According to the state government, Karnataka received 465 mm of rainfall against a normal 666 mmbetween June 1 and August 26, representing a deficit of around 30 per cent. South Interior Karnataka recorded a 41 per cent deficit, while Malnad, North Interior Karnataka and the coastal region recorded deficits of 35 per cent, 31 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.The government has also reported stress across agricultural and water resources. Soil-moisture deficiency was recorded in 178 taluks, vegetation stress was detected in 165 taluks through satellite assessment, and groundwater levels had declined in 132 taluks.

Crop loss and drinking water remain concerns

The government has directed district authorities to conduct joint crop-loss assessments and submit reports promptly. Relief measures can be undertaken under State Disaster Response Fund norms in areas formally declared drought-affected.Drinking water supply is another priority. The state has reported that water is being supplied to affected villages through tankers and private borewells, while funds have been released for drinking-water measures.The government is also monitoring fodder availability and employment opportunities to prevent distress migration from drought-affected areas.

More areas could be added

The drought declaration remains in force for six months unless revoked earlier. Officials have been asked to continue monitoring rainfall and crop conditions, meaning the current list is not necessarily final.The government is also preparing to seek financial assistance from the Centre. Karnataka is expected to submit a memorandum seeking drought relief, following the state's assessment of losses and affected areas.For farmers and districts currently outside the notified list, the immediate focus will therefore be on field assessments and whether subsequent data establishes eligibility for drought-hit status.