Wildlife authorities have imposed a two-week ban on entry of visitors to Nalabana, a bird sanctuary inside the famous Chilika Lake, till completion of the annual bird count in the lake slated for January 10.
"Except for the patrolling squads, others will not be allowed to visit the 15.53 sq km sanctuary inside Chilika. The ban will be strictly followed to ensure that the migratory birds in the sanctuary area are not disturbed, just before the count," Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Chilka wildlife division, B R Dash said.
"The ban will ensure smooth conduct of the count of winged guests in the sanctuary area as well as other areas of the lake," the DFO said, adding that people would be allowed to visit other areas of the blue lagoon.
"The total ban at Nalabana will also help prevent possible bird poaching on New Year eve," he said.
Nalabana remains a main attraction for visitors as migratory birds congregate here in large numbers. They are also found in other areas of the lake including Mangaljodi, Bhusandapur, Sorana and Rambha. An estimated 7 lakh birds have already descended on the lake, he said.
