Telangana: Summer Takes Toll on Fish, Save Crop Through Partial Harvest, Say Officials
25 May 2026 11:24 PM IST25 May 2026 11:24 PM IST
“With falling water levels, there is a consequent rise in reduction in water quality. The direct impact is the fall in dissolved oxygen levels in the tanks, which can result in mass deaths of fish,” a fisheries department official said
Most fishermen are reluctant to take up partial harvesting as the fish are still growing, and are yet to reach their optimal weight for getting the best price in the market. (Representational Image)
Hyderabad: The soaring summer heat that has settled over the state like a heavy blanket has prompted concerns over fish production, with officials urging fishermen to consider partial harvest in tanks where water levels are seeing a dip that can potentially result in falling oxygen levels in the water.
“With falling water levels, there is a consequent rise in reduction in water quality. The direct impact is the fall in dissolved oxygen levels in the tanks, which can result in mass deaths of fish,” a fisheries department official said.
Some events of this nature have already been reported, with one of the biggest such incidents occurring in Chinna Waddepally lake in Warangal district last week, which, according to reports, saw some 10 tonnes of fish dying, prompting demands for compensation from the local fishermen.
Unfortunately, there are no provisions for compensation for the mass death of fish. Fish farmers should keep an eye on the conditions in the water, and if they notice fish coming to the surface repeatedly, they should harvest some of the stock to reduce pressure for oxygen in the water, an official explained.
Concerned over the impact of summer heat on fish rearing in village tanks and lakes in the state, the fisheries department had last month issued an advisory asking fishermen to contact their local district fisheries officer for guidance if they observe any distress among the fish.
Most fishermen are reluctant to take up partial harvesting as the fish are still growing, and are yet to reach their optimal weight for getting the best price in the market. In the process, they stand the risk of the whole crop dying, another official explained.
“Most of the time, when such mass fish deaths occur, which happen mostly in summer months, fishermen attribute it to someone poisoning their tanks. The reality is that with water levels falling due to evaporation or other reasons, there is not just enough oxygen for all the fish,” the official said.
Though the department issued an advisory on summer actions for fishermen, extension services are woefully lacking, it is learnt. The department has around 100 technical officers, but requires at least three times that number. Be that as it may be, fishermen should keep a close watch on distress signals and harvest some of their stock to save the rest, which can grow safely.
By planning to keep all the fish till Mrigasira Karthi day on June 8, when the demand for fish is the highest, they may lose their entire crop if not pay heed to what the summer temperatures are doing to the tanks, the official said.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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