Drought crisis deepens as 23 more taluks declared drought-affected

Administrative officials have expanded the list of drought-affected taluks to 124, with 23 additional divisions added to the category in recent assessments. The escalating figures reflect worsening dry conditions across multiple districts, compounding existing challenges for farmers and rural communities.

The fresh additions mark a significant increase from previous counts, signaling that drought conditions are extending beyond initially affected areas. Officials cite prolonged deficient rainfall and depleted water reserves as key factors driving the expansion of the drought-affected zones.

With the number of taluks now exceeding 120, state authorities are reviewing contingency plans to address potential shortages of drinking water and irrigation supplies. Agricultural extension teams have been mobilized to assist farmers in drought-affected regions with advisories on water conservation and alternative cropping strategies.

The successive rounds of additions to the drought list underscore the need for coordinated relief efforts across state and district administrations. Officials indicated that the situation would be continuously monitored, with further classifications possible if conditions persist or worsen.