The Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary would remain closed for tourists and local public from May 1 to July 31 keeping in mind the breeding and nesting activities of the estuarine crocodiles, informed DFO Bikash Ranjan Dash.
During the ban period, tourists coming over the crocodile infested areas will be restricted to enter. Especially, the restrictions will be imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks under Bhitarkanika. The fear is the reptiles might be disturbed for nesting and breeding by the intrusion of visitors. The Bhitarakanika National Park authority last year had spotted 103nests of estuarine crocodiles in Kanika, Gahirmatha, Mahakalapada and Rajnagar wildlife forest range divisions under the Bhitarkanika National park, stated the DFO.
