Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 1; After a three-month closure, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district will reopen to tourists starting Thursday.
The park had been closed from May 1 to July 31 to protect the saltwater crocodiles during their mating and nesting season. During this period, female crocodiles lay their eggs near water bodies in the mangrove forest and guard them until hatchlings emerge. The presence of mechanized boats could disturb the crocodiles, making them more aggressive.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Manas Das reported that around 114 crocodiles laid eggs this year.
The Forest Department has also completed the construction of a 600-meter-long wooden skywalk, elevated 15 meters above the ground, at a cost of Rs 40 lakh. This new canopy bridge, situated between the mangrove nursery and the spotted deer meadow within the Dangamal forest range, offers visitors an enhanced view of the forest and wildlife. Renovations have also been made to the watchtower and hunting tower.
For safety, only 20 visitors will be permitted on the skywalk at any given time. Tourists can book their visits through the park’s website, with accommodation options available at rest houses in Dangamala, Habalikothi, and Gupti.
