Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Forest Department has issued a notification saying that the Bhitarkanika National Park located in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitarani rivers in Kendrapada district will remain closed for three months from Monday for the mating and nesting season of saltwater crocodiles.
The notification aims to keep tourists and visitors away from the sanctuary during the breeding time of the saltwater crocodiles. As per the notification, visitors will not be allowed to enter the national park during the breeding season.
The ban will remain in force till July 31. As the sound of the mechanised boats carrying tourists and forest officials disturbs the surroundings making the reptiles violent, restrictions have been imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala, and Ragadapati forest blocks under Bhitarkanika. The restrictions are imposed every year during the season.
Local forest dwellers entering the forest illegally to collect honey and wood have also been prohibited from entering the area.
The female reptiles lay eggs and guard those till the emergence of hatchlings. Instruction has been issued to forest guards to keep a vigil on the eggs as wild animals like snakes, wild boars, and fishing cats destroy the eggs. The guards will also keep a watch on the movement of mother crocodiles.
Several saltwater crocodile nesting sites were spotted at the creeks, nullahs, and river systems in the park area last year.
