Visitors’ Entry To Bhitarkanika National Park Banned for 3 Months for Croc Mating Season

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government imposed a three-month ban on entry of tourists and visitors to Bhitarkanika National Park from Wednesday for the breeding season of saltwater crocodiles.

According to the forest officials, the restrictions on the entry of visitors to the Bhitarkanika National Park will be in force from May 1 to July 31.

This annual ban ensures that the estuarine crocodiles in the sanctuary area are not disturbed during their breeding season.

The noises of mechanized boats used by tourists disturb the crocodiles, who become more violent during their mating season. Incidents of crocodile attack increase during their breeding season.

The Forest Department has also put ban on the entry of locals to collect honey and wood as they also disturb the crocodiles. Forest guards keep a strict vigil on the crocodiles who lay eggs near the banks and remain there till the eggs are hatched.