Even as Bhitarakanika park has been one of the most sought-after destination for the tourists, the park authorities are occupied with the treatment of the VIPs like politicians and Government officials and their family members, giving a go-by to the patrolling work. As a result, poaching activities get a boost.
Tourists, including many VIPs, throng the pristine mangrove forest and its eco-system to watch wild animals like salt-water crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boars, migratory and local birds, water monitors and other animals. But it has been noticed that the forest officials have been spending their valuable times to treat the VIPs who are coming to park for site seeing and picnicking.
“We are now busy to treat senior Government officials and their relatives for which the forest protection and other works have been hampered,” admitted a forest officer requesting anonymity.“If a VIP or VVIP visits to Bhitarkanika, then for sure starting from his arrival to departure the forest personnel have to remain with him to assist him to visit to the core areas and arrange boat and food stuff. As a result, the forest protection and other works generally go haywires,” he added.
Recently, three wild boars were trapped by the poachers. This could happen as the miscreants took advantage of the slack patrolling in the park, he said further.
During the peak tourist season that starts from December third week to January second week, locals residing in the fringes of Bhitarkanika kill the wild boars as the animals make extensive damage to the standing paddy and other crops. But during this crucial period the forest officials are found busy in attending the VIPs and VVIPs.
According to Kanika Ranger Akhaya Kumar Nayak, as many as 2,669 tourists on Christmas Day visited the park. And, the flow of touristarrival has jumped up ever since. Every day a dozen or so VIPs and VVIPs visit the park and for them the forest staff members are foundengaged.
According to official sources, between August and December this year, as many as 15,489 tourists, including 47 foreign tourists, visited Bhitarkanika.