Bhubaneswar: The first-of-its-kind ‘nocturnal trail’ in Odisha will begin in Bharatpur section of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary from January 29.
The night trail, covering a part of the sanctuary on the side of Bharatpur, will be conducted in three slots between 6 pm and 8 pm everyday, mostly for educational purpose, Divisional forest officer (DFO) Sarat Chandra Behera was quoted as saying.
The first slot booking will be for 6 pm, and the second and third for 7 pm and 8 pm respectively. The charges for eight-seater and 12-seater vehicles will be Rs 1,500 and 2,000, respectively. “The wildlife interaction in the forest during the night will benefit visitors, especially for students and researchers of different schools, colleges and institutions,” he said, adding the the Bharatpur section has been picked to ensure wildlife in the core is not disturbed by the trail.
Several wildlife species including elephants, barking deer, and porcupines abound in Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary spread over 194 sq km area. While hundreds of deer have already been relocated to the trail site, there are also plans to subsequently introduce Sambar and Gaur to enrich the habitat, the report further said.
Forest officials further said that the increase in patrolling during the night trail will also help curb frequent trespassing of people living close to the sanctuary from Bharatpur side.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda had earlier told the media that the visitors, who were unable to visit the sanctuary during at daytime due to their busy work schedule, will be able enjoy the night trail, which will remain open till 9.30 pm.
