Karnataka: List of drought-affected districts to be announced

Revenue Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda has announced that a Cabinet-sub committee meeting would be underway on September 4th that would disclose the first list of drought affected districts in the state. He had mentioned the guidelines for declaration as mandated by the Drought Manual of the central government involves a cumbersome procedure. He also assured that once the list is made public, ensuring that drinking water facilities are dispensed to these districts would be the priority in the list of actions to be undertaken. 

Gowda said, “A list of 75 drought-hit taluks had been readied by August 31. Crop survey is being conducted in taluks and based on the report of the survey a second list of drought-hit taluks will be released in a week or 10 days’ time.”

“As per the parameters, 113 taluks of the state had been listed as temporarily drought-hit on August 18. Crop survey is being conducted in districts and reports are being collected. The rainfall deficit should be more than 60% for at least three continuous weeks. The Cabinet sub committee will decide on the inclusion of the taluks in the list. If necessary, the matter will be brought to the notice of Cabinet and the list will be released,” he added.