Kendrapada: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district will remain out of bounds for visitors for 10 days for the annual census of saltwater crocodiles.
According to sources, the national park will remain shut from January 4 to 14, 2023, for the safety of visitors as well as for the smooth conduct of the census.
Around 22 teams will carry out the census in the Bhitarkanika river system, creeks, water inlets as well as nullahs and nearby areas. The census will be carried out under the supervision of enumerators, assisted by trained forest staff and herpetologists including noted crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar.
“We will soon train 100 persons on the method of counting the reptiles. We will use spotlights at night. GPS will help us map the exact location of the crocodiles,” TNIE reported crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar as saying.
It is pertinent to mention here that the fourth edition of the popular Eco Retreat at Pentha beach within Bhitarkanika National Park will begin simultaneously from December 1. The Tourism department will soon open online booking for the 25 luxury tents that will be pitched on the beach for tourists.
Also Read: Crocodile Crawls On Road Near Bhitarkanika In Odisha’s Kendrapada
