Southern Drought Crisis
Karnataka Expands Drought List While Andhra Pradesh Assesses Severe Crop Damage
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Key Points
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Of Karnataka’s 23 newly declared drought-hit taluks, 21 were classified as severely affected and two as moderately affected, bringing the statewide tally to 110 severely affected and 14 moderately affected taluks.
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Karnataka selected 53 taluks across 17 districts for a third round of ground-truthing, with officials instructed to inspect villages on September 19 and 20 and submit reports by September 21.
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In Andhra Pradesh, preliminary assessments classified 268 of the 513 drought-like mandals as facing severe conditions and 245 as facing moderate conditions; district collectors were told to submit detailed reports by September 24 for review by a state-level committee on September 29.
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Andhra Pradesh officials reported crop stress across 1,357 Rythu Seva Kendras in 21 districts, with sweet orange, mango, chilli, onion and vegetable crops among those particularly affected.
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Naidu directed officials to expand micro-irrigation and natural-farming practices to improve water-use efficiency in areas experiencing prolonged water stress.
Karnataka expanded its drought crisis on September 19, adding 23 more taluks to its list of drought-hit areas, bringing the total to 124 across the state. Deccan Herald reported that Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said assessments would continue through the monsoon season. Losses in the first 101 affected taluks already totaled about ₹18,000 crore, and state lawmakers would convene for a three-day session to address crop losses, farmer assistance, and possible loan waivers.
In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered scientific assessments of rainfall, crop damage, and soil moisture across the state. Preliminary findings identified drought-like conditions in 513 mandals, with 268 facing severe conditions and 245 moderate. The state allocated ₹190 crore to protect horticultural crops, with drought-hit areas to be formally notified by October 1, Times of India reported.
Karnataka's Drought Map Grows Larger Daily
Of the 23 newly declared drought taluks, 21 were classified as severely affected and two as moderately affected. This brought Karnataka's statewide tally to 110 severely affected and 14 moderately affected taluks. Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara warned that more than 200 taluks could ultimately be included after further ground-truthing. The state selected 53 taluks across 17 districts for a third round of assessments.
Political Backlash Over Excluded Taluks
Times of India reported that Congress MLA Yashwanthrayagowda Patil resigned from the Assembly in protest after Indi taluk was excluded from the drought-hit list. Other politicians threatened similar action if their districts were not added. The exclusions have sparked fierce political disagreement over which areas qualify for relief funds and assistance.
Andhra Pradesh Launches Detailed Scientific Survey
Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister Naidu directed a comprehensive assessment using rainfall data, satellite imagery, and soil moisture readings. Preliminary findings classified 268 of the 513 drought-like mandals as facing severe conditions. District collectors must submit detailed reports by September 24 for review by a state-level committee on September 29. Crop stress appeared across 1,357 service centers in 21 districts.
Sweet orange, mango, chilli, onion and vegetable crops reported the heaviest damage. Deccan Herald noted that horticultural crops faced particular stress across 17,916 hectares. Naidu directed officials to expand micro-irrigation and natural-farming practices to improve water-use efficiency in areas experiencing prolonged water stress.
Relief Requests Head to New Delhi
Karnataka's Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar requested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi release 50 percent of the state's drought relief amount as interim financial assistance. The full relief package totaled about ₹3,705.30 crore. Deccan Herald reported that a three-day legislative session would formally address these requests and discuss possible farmer loan waivers. The session agenda also included negotiations with the Union government for additional federal support.
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