Bengaluru, Sept. 14 -- Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said the state is facing a severe drought situation, with more than 200 taluks affected, and added that drought-hit taluks will be declared as per the norms of the Centre.

Speaking at his residence in Kanakapura, Shivakumar said crops have been damaged in several areas, groundwater levels have fallen, and sowing could not be carried out in many places.

"We are facing a severe drought situation this time; more than 200 taluks are affected by drought. Drought-hit taluks will be declared as per Central norms," Shivakumar said.

"In many places, crops have been destroyed, and groundwater has been depleted. In many places sowing could not be done. In the coming days ther...