Bhitarkanika opens gates for tourists

Kendrapada: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district reopened on Tuesday after remaining out of bounds to tourists for three months in view of the breeding season of estuarine crocodiles.
The three-month-long ban on the entry of tourists and visitors to the wetland sites was enforced from May 1 to July 31.
“Human interference disturbs the breeding reptiles, who turn violent and attack intruders during this period. The objective is to ensure the safety of humans and provide congenial environment to the crocodiles,” said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.
The sanctuary is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, along with resident and migrant avian species. Besides, millions of endangered olive ridley sea turtles turn up at the Gahirmatha beach every year for mass nesting.