Tourist entry banned at National Park 

Tourist entry banned at National Park 

Context

The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district will be out of bounds for tourists for a week in view of for the annual census of estuarine crocodiles

7 day ban

The forest department has imposed a seven-day ban, starting January 3, to prevent noise pollution during the headcount operation of the reptiles, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) division, B.P. Acharya, said

Free head count

“There will be a prohibition on the entry of visitors to the national park area during this period to ensure smooth and disturbance-free head count operation of saltwater crocodiles,” Mr. Acharya said.

• Objective: The objective is to keep the place free from human interference when the meticulous exercise is underway, officials said

Ideal picnic spot

• The 145-sqkm Bhitarkanika National Park, located in the delta of rivers Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamara, is an ideal spot for camping, trekking and picnic.
• The peak winter is suitable for the counting of the reptiles, the official said