After remaining closed for three months, the Bhitarkanika National Park reopened on Thursday for tourists and visitors. Only, the ban has not been lifted for tourists at Habalikhati in the park as the sea is still rough there due to low pressure.
The Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division had imposed the ban from May 1 to July 31 to count the estuarine crocodiles’ nests in the water bodies of the National Park and nearby rivers.
As many as 68 nests of crocodiles have been spotted in and outside the park.
The park authorities have made it mandatory for the visitors to bring their identity proofs, either voter Id card, passport, driving licence, PAN card or student Id card for their entry into the park.
Even, it has been made mandatory for the tourists to wear lifejacket and possess lifebuoy for reaching the park via water routes, informed Rajnagar DFO Kedar Kumar Swain.