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ODISHA TRAVEL

Sunday, 14 September 2014

Bhitarkanika reopens with renovated hatchery

After a three-month break, Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district will reopen on Friday. It is closed for tourists from May 1 to July 31 during mating and nesting season of salt water crocodiles every year.
The restriction was imposed as during nesting and breeding time crocodiles turn more violent and the reptiles need tranquil and calm environment for mating, added the forest officer.

 The forest department recently renovated the 40-year-old crocodile hatchery and rearing centre at Dangmal in the park under Integrated Coastal Zone Management programme at a cost of Rs 30 lakh.


In 1974, the ministry of environment and forests in collaboration with UNDP had started the crocodile hatchery. The forest department stopped crocodile breeding and rearing two years back as the population made a quantum jump from mere 96 in 1974 to around 1,600. This year's census counted 1,644 crocodiles. The department renovated the centre to attract tourists to see baby crocodiles.

The facelift was meant to transform the facility into a bigger tourist attraction. The facility has plenty on offer with exciting baby crocodiles and eggs.

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