Bhitarkanika National Park reopens for tourists

Following a hiatus of three months in view of the breeding season of the estuarine crocodiles, Bhitarkanika National Park has been reopened for visitors on Tuesday.

The tourists have expressed their pleasure over the development.

As per National Park authorities, tourists can enter Bhitarkanika through three routes-Dangamala, Khola and Gupti.

The forest Department has arranged as many as 14 government and 64 private boats for the tourists. To ensure a smooth experience for the visitors, as many as six battery-run vehicles have also been arranged for the convenience of the tourists.

However, identity card has been made mandatory for the entrance of tourists into the National Park. The tourists have been advised not to disturb the crocodiles. The forest department has also imposed a strict ban on the usage of plastic disposables in the protected areas.

During the mating and nesting season of the crocodiles, the gate of the National Park is closed every year from May 1-July 31 to ensure the safety of the visitors and the aquatic animals. The restrictions are imposed as sound created by boats carrying tourists can disturb the reptiles and make them violent.

As per a recent survey, as many as 1793 crocodiles are currently in the National Park.