In admission of a severe drinking water crisis, the Karnataka government on Thursday declared 28 of 30 districts and 125 of 176 taluks drought-hit.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah explained to reporters here that the announcement of drought was preceded by a three-phase assessment conducted in October, December and February. On the action front, the government will take urgent steps to resolve the water crisis, ensure cattle fodder, and jobs for the people.