Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park To Remain Closed For 3 Months From Tomorrow

Kendrapada: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district will remain closed for three months from Monday in view of mating and nesting season of  saltwater crocodiles.

This was notified by the Forest department to keep tourists and visitors away from the sanctuary during the breeding time of the saltwater crocodiles, a forest official said.

Visotirs will not be allowed to enter the national park during the breeding season.

The ban will be in force till July 31. Since the sound of the mechanised boats carrying tourists and forest officials  disturbs the surroundings and makes the reptiles violent, restrictions have been imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks under Bhitarkanika.

The restrictions are imposed every year during the season as sound created by boats carrying tourists can disturb the reptiles and make them violent.

Local forest dwellers, who illegally enter the forest areas to collect honey and wood, have also been prohibited from entering the area. The female reptiles lay eggs and guard those till the emergence of hatchlings

Instruction has been issued to forest guards to keep a vigil on the eggs as wild animals like snakes, wild boars, fishing cats destroy the eggs. The guards will also keep a watch on the movement of mother crocodiles, sourcessaid.

Several saltwater crocodile nesting sites were spotted at the creeks, nullahs and river system in the park area last year.

It may be noted here that Bhitarkanika is located in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitarani rivers in Kendrapada district. It is the only rainforest in the state famous for estuarine crocodiles.