Odisha: Bhitarkanika National Park closed for tourists from today

Kendrapara: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is closed for tourists for three months with effect from today.

With onset of breeding season of estuarine crocodiles, the wildlife sanctuary will remain shut for visitors from May 1 till July 31.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the estuarial region of Bramhani-Baitarani rivers in Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is the only rainforest in the State famous for estuarine crocodiles.

During the breeding season of saltwater crocodiles lay eggs on surface. The restriction imposed on tourists to ensure disturbance-free annual nesting of crocodiles.

Official source in Rajnagar Divisional Forest said that the reptiles often turn violent and attack intruders during their breeding period. The entry of visitors is therefore banned to ensure safety of humans and provide a congenial environment to the breeding crocodiles.