Heatwaves and dry weather have led to mass casualties of fish in lakes across Telangana. The state's temperature has soared to 47 degrees Celsius, causing the water in lakes, including Polkamma Cheruvu and Kamuni Cheruvu, to become extremely hot, resulting in the mass death of fish.
As the temperature increases, the solubility of dissolved oxygen in water decreases, leading to diminished availability. Simultaneously, the rise in temperature increases metabolism, increasing the demand for oxygen.
Thus, oxygen supply declines as temperature rises while demand for it increases, creating a demand-supply mismatch. Fish have a maximum tolerated temperature limit for survival.
Also Read | India Weather Update: IMD Warns of Heatwave Across Multiple Regions on May 6.
Additionally, many districts in Telangana recorded maximum temperatures of over 46 degrees Celsius yesterday. Even in Hyderabad, the temperature touched 44 degrees Celsius.