KARACHI, Oct 27: A tug of war has been going on between two Sindh wildlife department officials for over a month now for the post of honorary game warden of the Thatta district, it is learnt.

According to the sources, the struggle for the post began a few weeks back as the migratory birds, particularly the waterfowl, have started to arrive at various lakes and wetlands in the district.

The sources say that both the officials have now apparently slowed down their efforts for the post which becomes highly sought after during the winter season.

The department chief reportedly called both of them to his office and told them their efforts were causing embarrassment to the department and advised them to try to “coexist” and “share” the duties.

One of the officials is said to be backed by the local politicians and a former Dadu-based chief minister, while the other is supported by a foreigner who poaches on the internationally protected houbara bustards in the district.

The migratory waterfowl, avoiding the harsh weather conditions in their Central Asian habitats, start their annual migration and following the Indus Flyway come to spend their winter in the comparatively warm environment of the local wetlands here.

The sources say that a large number of the wetlands are protected under the wildlife protections laws, and trapping and netting of migratory birds is banned.

They say that trappers who catch the migratory birds in the lower region of the province have to pass through the Thatta district to reach Karachi which, being the biggest city, is the market for the birds.

They sources say that initially the post of the Thatta district game warden was held by the SWD’s game inspector Peer Mohammad, but he was transferred and another game inspector, Ayub Aliyani, was posted as the game warden.

A few days later, the SWD again transferred Mr Aliyani and posted Peer Mohammad as game warden.

The order was again changed within a few days and at present Mr Aliyani is holding the charge of game wardenship.