For a smooth and disturbance-free head count of estuarine crocodiles, the forest department has clamped a week-long prohibition on entry of visitors to Bhitarkanika national park in Odisha's Kendrapara district.
Due to the annual head count exercise of estuarine crocodiles on Monday, the national park would remain out of tourist bounds from tomorrow till January 8. All bookings and entry permits to the national park would remain cancelled during the said period, officials said.
Tourists and nature lovers would make their way to the park to relish the unique bio-diversity, ecosystem from January 9 onwards, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya said.
"Restrictions on the visitors were imposed to prevent noise pollution during the headcount operation of the reptiles in Bhitarkanika. The purpose is to keep the place free from human interference for meticulous census of the animals. Sound pollution following human activity distracts the wildlife and affects census drive," he said.
The national park covers an area of around 145 sq km which encompasses the Bhitarkanika Mangroves.
It is a mangrove swamp which is located in the delta of the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamara. It is an ideal spot for camping, trekking and picnics.
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