Bhitarkanika Opens Gates For Tourists

Paradip, Aug. 1: The Bhitarkanika National Park opened today after remaining out of bounds for tourists for three months in view of the breeding season of estuarine crocodiles.

"In view of the crocodiles' breeding, a three-month-long prohibition on the entry of tourists and visitors to the wetland sites had been clamped from May 1," said officer of the Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

"The ban on tourists' entry is enforced in the park as human interference disturbs the breeding animals. The reptiles turn violent and attack intruders during this period. So, the objective is to ensure the safety of humans and provide congenial environment to the crocodiles," said Acharya.

"Booking of tourists' cottages has already begun. We are ready to play host to domestic and international tourists after this break. We receive around 50,000 tourists each year. Our aim is to ensure safe and comfortable sojourn for the visitors, who throng here in large numbers. It has been made mandatory for the visitors to submit proof of identity to get the entry permit of the national park," said a forest official.

Boat journeys along the mangrove-covered water bodies are a major attraction for tourists here. On any given day, around 400 tourists enjoy boat rides.

Keeping the tourists' safety in mind, the forest department has banned private boats, which are devoid of life jackets and other safety gadgets. Directions have also been issued to abide by the safety guidelines. Those found flouting the order would be barred from operating in the water bodies.

Around 145sqkm stretch of the national park, with its vast expanse of mangrove cover and wetland spots, is an ideal eco-tourism destination for camping and trekking. Picnickers also throng the park in large numbers.

The sanctuary is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, along with resident and migrant avian species. Besides, millions of endangered olive ridley sea turtles turn up at the Gahirmatha beach every year for mass nesting. The latest census, which was held earlier this year, found 1,644 crocodiles nesting in the national park.

Shared By: Hotels in Bhubaneswar