Hetauda, Jan. 16 -- To protect fish in its ponds from migratory water ducks arriving from Siberia in search of warmer weather and food, three watchmen are being deployed daily at the Hetauda-based Natural Water Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Centre.

Located at Piple in ward 5 of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, the centre has assigned three guards from dawn until dusk to chase away water ducks that prey on fish in the ponds. Armed with slingshots, the watchmen work continuously to prevent the birds from entering the ponds.

The guards also fire loud noise-making guns-usually used to scare monkeys-to drive away the ducks quite often. According to the centre, large flocks of water ducks begin arriving from outside areas as winter sets ...