Karnataka may add eight to ten more taluks to drought list

Karnataka could declare another eight to ten taluks drought-affected before submitting its final appeal to the Union government. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara outlined that expectation on October 9.

The state has already declared 217 of its 240 taluks drought-hit. Field assessments are continuing in the remaining 23. Parameshwara estimated that another eight to ten could meet the prescribed criteria, describing their inclusion as an expected decision rather than a completed declaration.

The government plans to seek compensation from the Union government. Parameshwara said he wanted an all-party delegation to present the appeal, but claimed the opposition was not currently willing to participate.

He said opposition representatives would be invited again. If they did not join, the government would still send a delegation and submit the memorandum. The final list of drought-affected areas is to be prepared before that submission.