Kendrapara, Aug. 1 (UDN): Tourist activities resumed at Bhitarkanika National Park on Saturday after the wildlife sanctuary reopened following its annual three-month closure during the saltwater crocodile breeding and nesting season.
Representational Image
The national park remained closed to visitors from May 1 to July 31 to provide a disturbance-free environment for the breeding and nesting of estuarine crocodiles, one of Bhitarkanika’s most significant conservation priorities.
With the reopening, visitors can once again explore the park through boat safaris, offering an opportunity to witness the region’s rich biodiversity, including its famous population of saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, spotted deer, wild boars and a variety of mangrove flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Forest officials said all tourist facilities inside the park have been made operational, including accommodation for overnight stays and access to the park’s major eco-tourism attractions.
The annual closure is considered a key conservation measure, allowing crocodiles to breed and nest without human disturbance. Officials said the seasonal restriction has played a vital role in protecting one of India’s largest populations of estuarine crocodiles and ensuring the long-term ecological health of the mangrove ecosystem.
With the monsoon landscape adding to the park’s scenic beauty, the Forest Department expects a steady rise in tourist footfall in the coming weeks as visitors return to one of Odisha’s premier wildlife destinations.
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