Copious rains, apart from causing widespread infrastructure and crop damage across the country, have replenished several lakes which host hundreds of thousands of winged guests in the winter. "More rains mean fresh water, expansion in lakes and impounds' radius, and, subsequently, more vegetation and fish, which are the key requirements of the migratory birds." "Gone are the days when the shallow waters and banks of the lake used to be littered with all kinds of migratory birds," said Mallah. Mallah, however, sees this year's monsoon downpour as a glimmer of hope. At least two provincial governments - Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa- have repeatedly opposed the practice, saying the hunting sprees disturb local wildlife and pose threats to several migratory birds.

Source: The Express Tribune October 12, 2020 03:06 UTC