# India Drought Crisis Deepens

> El Niño threatens India's water security as drought hits multiple states.
- Title: India Drought Crisis Deepens · Financialexpress | Shortify
- Summary: El Niño threatens India's water security as drought hits multiple states. India faces severe drought conditions with 52.5% of the country under dry or…
- Keywords: india, drought, el niño, monsoon, water security, karnataka, maharashtra, andhra pradesh, rural employment, mgnrega, groundwater, paddy
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/india-news/is-india-prepared-for-drought-water-security-faces-key-test-as-multiple-states-flag-crisis/4359417
- Author: Anwesha Mitra
- Published: 2026-10-12T12:44:56+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: india, drought, el niño, monsoon, water security, karnataka, maharashtra, andhra pradesh, rural employment, mgnrega, groundwater, paddy
## Weakest Monsoon in Decade
India recorded a 13% monsoon rainfall deficit with summer monsoon rainfall at 759.4 mm, the fourth lowest since 2001.
## El Niño Conditions Worsen
El Niño is expected to strengthen through 2026 and peak at nearly 4°C in December, causing extreme weather impacts.
## Food Production Target Adjusted
The central government lowered food production targets to 373.93 million tonnes for 2026-27 amid drought conditions.
## Karnataka Declares Drought
Karnataka became the first state to declare drought conditions affecting 101 taluks by August 27, with 217 taluks impacted by October 2.
## Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh Drought
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 taluks on September 25, while Andhra Pradesh declared 388 mandals as drought-affected by October 2.
## Government Drought Schemes
India has spent Rs 95,692.31 crore on drought proofing schemes including farm ponds, check dams, and protective tree plantations.
## Groundwater Depletion Crisis
India extracts 247 billion cubic meters of groundwater annually, making it the world's largest consumer of groundwater.
## Crop Water Usage
Agriculture accounts for up to 90% of India's water use, with rice, wheat and sugarcane taking almost 80% of irrigation water.
## Drought Impact on Farmers
Farmers in drought-affected areas face crop failure, drinking water problems, and estimated crop losses of Rs 46,000 crores.
## Water Conservation Efforts
Over 15 million groundwater recharge structures have been created under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, exceeding targets by 50%.
## Regional Water Stress
26% of groundwater blocks in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Puducherry are over-exploited.
## Drought Conditions Spread
52.5% of India's land is under dry or drought conditions by mid-September 2026 due to El Niño and weak monsoons.
## Key takeaway

India faces severe drought conditions with 52.5% of the country under dry or drought conditions due to weak monsoons and El Niño.