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Karnataka Expands Drought-Hit Taluk List to 226 and Prepares Central Relief Request
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Drought Declarations Expand to 226 Taluks
On October 14, 2026, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara announced that nine additional taluks—Sakleshpur (Hassan), Khanapur (Belagavi), Hosanagara and Sagara (Shivamogga), Puttur, Moodbidri and Mulki (Dakshina Kannada), and Joida and Dandeli (Uttara Kannada)—have been classified as drought-affected, bringing the state total to 226. Field verification in these taluks was reported as completed, while assessment under the Trigger-1 criteria continues in other areas.
State Relief Memorandum and NDRF Negotiations
Parameshwara said the government is drafting a final memorandum that will detail the drought-related losses and request financial assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines. The memorandum is expected within a week, after which a high-level delegation led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Parameshwara will travel to New Delhi to submit the request.
The state has asked for roughly Rs 7,000 crore for the 226 drought-hit taluks this year, noting that losses are “significantly severe” across the state. By contrast, the previous year the state sought around INR18,000 crore in drought relief. Both the state leadership and the Union Agriculture Minister have been asked to relax the existing NDRF norms; the minister has indicated the request will be examined, but no response has been received yet.
Reservation Verdict and Government Deliberations
The Karnataka High Court, on October 12, struck down provisions of a 2022 state law that raised reservation for Scheduled Castes from 15 % to 17 % and for Scheduled Tribes from 3 % to 7 %, holding the increase violated the 50 % ceiling. Parameshwara said the state cabinet will discuss the verdict on October 15, 2026, and will decide whether to challenge the judgment in the Supreme Court or seek inclusion of the reservation law in the Constitution’s Ninth Schedule.
Conflicting Reports on New Taluk Count
Two reports differ on the number of newly declared drought-hit taluks. The Hindu and Hindustan Times cite nine additional taluks, while ANI reports seven. Both sources agree that the total number of affected taluks is now 226.
Upcoming Actions
The cabinet meeting on October 15, 2026, will determine the state’s legal strategy regarding the reservation verdict. Following finalisation of the drought-relief memorandum, the delegation comprising the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and senior cabinet members is slated to travel to Delhi to seek central assistance under the NDRF framework.
