The Karnataka government has officially designated 40 additional taluks across the state as drought-affected, bringing the total to a staggering 217 out of 240. This significant declaration, announced on October 1, includes nine taluks from coastal Karnataka, highlighting the severe rainfall deficit experienced across the region.
From Udupi district, Udupi and Byndoor taluks now feature on the third list of drought-hit areas. Brahmavar taluk had already been categorized as moderately drought-affected in the second list. Dakshina Kannada district sees Belthangady, Bantwal, and Ullal taluks added to this latest declaration. In Uttara Kannada, Ankola, Bhatkal, Haliyal, and Sirsi taluks are newly included, supplementing Mundgod and Yellapur taluks which appeared on the initial list. This widespread impact means only 23 taluks statewide remain outside the drought classification.
Udupi district, traditionally known for abundant monsoon rains, recorded a substantial 32% rainfall deficit during the critical June 1 to September 30 period. Against a normal average of 4022 mm, the district received only 2736 mm this monsoon season. This stark contrast follows years of surplus rainfall, with 2024 seeing a 13% excess and 2025 a 4% excess. Experts attribute this year's significant shortfall to the prevailing El Nino phenomenon, raising considerable concern for the coastal belt.
Brahmavar taluk experienced the highest deficit within Udupi district, registering a 38% shortfall with just 2189 mm against its usual 3527 mm. Hebri recorded a 35% deficit (3398 mm vs 5268 mm), Kaup 34% (2129 mm vs 3216 mm), Udupi 33% (2263 mm vs 3367 mm), Karkala 31% (2858 mm vs 4117 mm), and Byndoor 29% (2814 mm vs 3941 mm). Even Kundapura, with a 16% deficit (2816 mm vs 3355 mm), did not escape the impact. Despite these figures, taluks like Hebri, Kaup, and Karkala, which show significant rainfall shortfalls, are yet to be formally declared drought-hit.
Further data reveals a 31% deficit for Udupi district from January 1 to September 30, receiving 2905 mm against a normal 4223 mm. September alone saw a drastic 59% shortfall, with only 167 mm against a typical 405 mm. The State Disaster Management Centre confirms a statewide monsoon deficit of 35%, affecting 30 districts and 209 taluks, underscoring the severity of the situation across Karnataka.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi