Bhitarkanika National Park closed for visitors from today

Kendrapara: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district will remain closed for tourists from today till July 31 in view of the mating and nesting season of saltwater crocodiles.

Tourists will not be allowed to visit the national park during the breeding season of the crocodiles.

The restrictions are imposed every year during the season as sound created by boats carrying tourists can disturb the reptiles and make them violent.

Such restrictions will be imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks.

Local forest dwellers have also been prohibited from entering the area for collection of honey and wood.

Notably, Bhitarkanika is located in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitarani rivers in Kendrapara district. It is the only rainforest in the state famous for estuarine crocodiles.