BADIN, Jan 16: Despite a ban on hunting of migratory birds, the wildlife department seems to have given a free hand to local hunters for killing migratory birds that fly to Pakistan every winter from Siberia and Central Asia. The birds, which form quite a scenic view when flying in their spectacular formations, are usually popular with Arab dignitaries for hunting. But at present they are being captured and killed by local hunters who are also selling their meat in the local market.

There are more than 15 places where these birds are sold after being killed and among them the most popular is the Sabzi Mandi where meat of teals, white cranes, purple grey herons, pintails, common snipes, plovers and Indian bustards are available for those who wish to buy them.

What is interesting is that the birds are trapped and hunted right under the nose of game inspectors and game watchers. The conservation department is aware of this matter and so is the local police, but they do not take any action against dealers who sell the meat of these birds in the open market, where the remains of the birds can be seen lying in the garbage.

A visit to the office of district game warden on Wednesday revealed that the official, Dr Mir Abdullah Talpur, was not easily available and would be out of the district for most part of the month.

When contacted, Dr Talpur said that he would be out of the district for two more days and asked Dawn to talk to game inspector Ijaz Nodhani, who when called handed his cellphone to Ali Muhammad Nizamani, who claimed to be a close friend of Mr Nodhani’s.—Correspondent