Bengaluru, Oct. 2 -- The number of drought-affected taluks in Karnataka has risen to 217 after the state government added another 40 taluks to the list. The latest decision means that just 23 of the state's 240 taluks are currently outside the drought-hit category.

The 40 taluks added in the latest phase are Channapatna, Kanakapura, Harohalli, Jagalur, Piriyapatna, Kushtagi, Aurad, Gokak, Ramdurg, Savadatti, Kagwad, Indi, Chadachan, Talikote, Gadag, Mundargi, Ron, Hirekerur, Dharwad, Kalghatgi, Kundgol, Alnavar, Bhadravati, Shikaripura, Shivamogga, Soraba, Thirthahalli, Chikkamagaluru, Kalasa, Madikeri, Kushalnagar, Belthangady, Bantwal, Ullal, Udupi, Byndoor, Ankola, Bhatkal, Haliyal and Sirsi.

The government's decision follows a serie...