If Karnataka declares drought this monsoon season, it will be 17th time in 26 years

Karnataka's southwest monsoon ended July with a 26% rainfall deficit, raising drought concerns.

If drought is declared, it would be the 17th time in 26 years for the state.

Karnataka declared drought in 16 of 25 years between 2001 and 2025.

In 2023, 223 of Karnataka's 236 taluks were officially declared drought-affected.

The state government said nearly 79% of Karnataka's geographical area is drought-prone, the highest among India's major states.