Karnataka Drought Risk: 17th in 26 Years if Declared This Monsoon
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Karnataka's weak southwest monsoon has raised the spectre of drought, with the state ending July with a 26% rainfall deficit. If drought is declared this monsoon season, it would be the 17th time in 26 years, continuing a recurring pattern. The state government has asked officials to prepare a report on the situation.
Background
Karnataka has a history of frequent droughts, with official declarations in 16 of the 25 years between 2001 and 2025. The state is highly drought-prone, with nearly 79% of its geographical area classified as drought-prone, the highest among major Indian states. The Cauvery Water Management Authority has also asked Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, adding to the pressure.
Key facts
Karnataka ended July with a 26% rainfall deficit overall, with several districts reporting higher shortfalls.
If drought is declared this monsoon season, it will be the 17th time in 26 years (2001-2026).
Karnataka officially declared drought in 16 of the 25 years between 2001 and 2025.
In 2002, 159 of the then 176 taluks were declared drought-hit; in 2003, 162 taluks were affected.
In 2016, 164 taluks were affected by drought.
The worst year was 2023, when 223 of Karnataka's 236 taluks were officially declared drought-affected.
Karnataka escaped official drought declaration only nine times during the 25-year period, with four consecutive drought-free years from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2024 and 2025.
Nearly 79% of Karnataka's geographical area is drought-prone, the highest proportion among India's major states.
Karnataka has the country's second-largest extent of dryland after Rajasthan.
July is the single most important month for Karnataka's southwest monsoon, contributing around 270mm of seasonal rainfall.
Prelims pointers
- Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNMDC) - monitors drought and other natural disasters in Karnataka.
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) - statutory body for Cauvery water sharing.
- Southwest monsoon - primary rainy season in India, June to September.
- Drought declaration - usually based on rainfall deficit, crop failure, and other criteria.
- Taluks - administrative units in Karnataka, similar to tehsils.
- Dryland farming - agriculture in areas with low rainfall, requiring special techniques.
Mains angles
- Discuss the recurring drought pattern in Karnataka and its implications for agriculture and water resources.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of drought management and mitigation strategies in India, with special reference to Karnataka.
- Analyze the inter-state water sharing disputes, such as the Cauvery issue, in the context of climate variability and drought.