After remaining closed for a period of 12 days the Bhitarkanika National Park is going to be opened on Tuesday for the tourists. The park authority had imposed a ban on tourist’s entry to conduct an annual head count drive of estuarine crocodile and census of the migratory birds from January 1 to 12. The prohibition order on the visitors and tourists was imposed during this stipulated period to prevent noise pollution during the census drive, said DFO Kedar Kumar Swain.
According to official sources, the bird census was carried out on January 12. As many as 16 teams, consists of forest personnel, renowned ornithologists, bird experts and researchers, carried out the census. While 11 teams were engaged for Kendrapara district, five teams were engaged in Jagatsihpur. The forest officials generally count the avian species with traditional method of “Direct Sighting.”
The wildlife researchers and ornithologists used spotting scope, binocular and cameras to count birds. Similarly, the head count drive of crocodile was organized from January 8 to 10 by 26 enumerator teams, consisting of wildlife personnel, crocodile experts and researchers. The enumerators were assisted by the trained local forest staff. They covered the Bhitarkanika river system, besides innumerable creeks, water inlets and nullahs, where the reptiles are found abundantly during the census time, stated Swain.
According to official sources, the park collects Rs 20 for an Indian and Rs 1,000 for a foreigner for entry fee, whereas Rs 25 for a photo camera and Rs 500 for video recording are collected. It is mandatory for all the visitors to bring one of their identity proofs, including voter identity cards, passport, driving licence, PAN card or student identity card for entry. Polythene is strictly prohibited.