Kendrapada: The forest department has recently renovated the visitor’s interpretation centre at Dangamal within Bhitarkanika National Park at a cost of Rs 89 lakh to attract more tourists.
Located near the park’s main entrance, the centre houses over 400 animal specimens, as per sources “The visitor’s interpretation centre in the park boasts an extensive collection, including many skeletons of crocodiles and other animals. We refurbished the centre and perfectly preserved all our collections,” said Manas Das, assistant conservator of forest (ACF), Bhitarkanika. He added that the collections are among the finest in the country, holding immense scientific significance and offering intriguing insights
“We have displayed the skeletons of crocodiles, wild boars, snakes, sea turtle carapaces, snake and crocodile eggs, hides, horns of spotted deer, and the skeletons of many mammals and other animals to attract tourists,” said Das. He added, “We have preserved the skeleton of a 17-foot-long saltwater crocodile and another of a 20-foot-long crocodile. The skeletons of these reptiles are a major attraction for visitors. Bhitarkanika is home to more than 1,800 crocodiles in its water bodies.”
Additionally, the 50-year-old crocodile hatchery and rearing complex at Dangamal has been renovated to transform it into a modern facility and a larger tourist attraction. “The upgraded complex now features baby crocodiles and crocodile eggs, offering visitors a chance to learn about the species housed there,” said Das.