Tumakuru: Searing heat wave conditions and rising mercury levels in Tumakaru have been linked to deaths of 35 peacocks this week. The deaths, reported from areas such as Bommanahalli and Machenahalli, were spread out over distances of 500 metres to 1 km, indicating a widespread impact rather than an isolated incident.Veterinary teams conducted postmortems and collected samples from the carcasses for laboratory analysis. Results are expected within 48 hours.“Preliminary findings show that the birds’ bodies, including feathers and internal organs, were largely intact, though the lungs appeared affected. While heat stress and dehydration are being considered primary factors, authorities have not ruled out other causes such as bird flu,” a forest officer said. Water samples from the area have also been collected to check for contamination. As a precaution, affected sites have been sealed and sanitised, even as a six-member team, along with the range forest officer and veterinary doctors, continues its investigation. In Aug last year, as many as 20 peacocks were found dead near a waterbody in Tumakuru after reportedly consuming sown seeds treated with pesticides to avoid termite infestation.Atheletics meet to avoid peak hoursOrganisers of the 24th National Junior (Under-20) Athletics Championship in Tumakuru have decided that no events will be held during peak sunlight hours. The three-day meet, scheduled from April 24 to 26 at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium, will be conducted in split sessions — early mornings from 6am to 10:30am and evenings from 3:30pm to 8pm — to avoid the harsh midday heat.Tumakuru is hosting the national-level championship for the first time, with the event being organised by the district administration, Karnataka Athletics Association, and Tumakuru District Athletics Association. More than 1,380 athletes from 28 states are set to compete across 40 events. Karnataka will field 110 athletes, including 10 from the host district.The championship also serves as the official selection trial for international events, with top performers earning spots in India’s junior team for the Asian Junior Athletics Championship in Hong Kong (May 28-31) and the World Junior Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA (Aug 5-9). —Nadi Gandhal
