Kendrapada: The COVID-19 restrictions have gone for a toss in Bhitarkanika National Park in the district as the authorities have apparently failed to enforce those strictly.
According to park sources, a whopping 1,732 visitors were allowed inside the park on Saturday while their number was 1,852 on Christmas Day. Compared to this, the park registered total 1,790 footfall in October and 6,045 in November.
But according to the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the district administration before reopening of the park on October 1, maximum 500 visitors should be permitted inside the park in a day.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the administration breaking its own rule, the locals said at a time when there is a threat of second wave of COVID-19, such careless attitude is deplorable.
Stating that the norms are flouted at the ground level, they demanded stern action against the violators considering the threat to the lives of local inhabitants as well as wild species.
However, the visitors got the opportunity to see saltwater crocodiles of small and big sizes in the water bodies of the park. Besides, they enjoyed colourful local and migrated birds, deer and different species of snakes.
Also Read: Number Of Visitors To Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park On Rise Despite COVID-19 Guidelines
