Bhitarkanika National Park: Bhitarkanika National Park to Reopen on August 1 | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: The Bhitarkanika National Park will reopen for tourists on Aug 1 after a three-month-long break. It was closed from May 1 to Jul 31, during the mating and nesting season of the saltwater crocodiles.
“The three-month prohibition order had been imposed as crocodiles become more aggressive during nesting and breeding periods,” said Manas Das, the assistant conservator of forests at Bhitarkanika.He added that around 114 saltwater crocodiles nested during this year’s nesting season in Bhitarkanika.
On new initiatives to draw more tourists to the park, Das said that the forest department recently constructed a 600-metrr-long wooden canopy bridge 15 meters above the ground, costing Rs 40 lakh. According to him, the bridge will allow tourists to get an up-close view of the wildlife and forest.
“The canopy bridge has been built between the mangrove nursery ground and the spotted deer meadow within the Dangamal forest range of the park. We have also renovated the watch tower and hunting tower in the park. Tourists and visitors intending to visit Bhitarkanika can ensure their bookings online,” the forest officer added.
Villagers in Bhitarkanika engage in the eco-tourism industry by partnering with approximately six private tour companies who will soon establish tent accommodations for the tourists around the park. “Many locals have opened eateries and shops near the park,” said Das.
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