Baripada: Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district will remain closed for tourists for a period of two days in view of possible Cyclone Jawad over the Bay of Bengal.

As per forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Jawad is likely to reach Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coasts by December 4 morning with maximum wind speed upto 100 kmph  triggering heavy rainfall over the districts of Odisha. In view of it, the wildlife sanctuary will remain shut on December 4 and 5 for the tourists, an official order stated today.

Earlier, entry into the National Park was restricted for visitors for brief period from November 15 due to unseasonal rain and fog after its reopening on November 1.

The wildlife habitat was closed for tourists in May this year due to upsurge in daily COVID-19 cases in second wave of pandemic.