Kendrapara: In view of rain forecast for coastal areas of the state, the first edition of Bhitarkanika Mahotsav has been postponed by a week. The three-day event to attract tourists to this prime ecotourism destination in Odisha’s Kendrapara district will begin on February 14 instead of February 7.
Nalitapatia on the Rajnagar-Bhitarkanika main road will play host to the festival being jointly organised by the Forest Department, the district administration and Tourism Department.
The rich biodiversities, flora and fauna of the internationally-acclaimed Ramsar wetland site, which is a natural abode for estuarine crocodiles, will be showcased at the event.
“It will not only help to provide the much-needed exposure to the national park and increase the tourist inflow but also benefit people living in villages on its periphery economically,” said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Bikash Ranjan Dash.
According to reports, 150 stalls will be put up allowing SHG groups of ORMAS to exhibit their products. There will also be several cultural activities on those three days. Besides, a photo exhibition and seminar will also be organised.
While crocodile population in Bhitarakanika is estimated to be 1,698 as per the latest census, the national park is also home to leopard, wild boar, jungle cat, fishing cat, hyena, sambar, striped palm squirrel, gangetic dolphin and reptiles. Around 166 species of birds have been spotted in the park.
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