Kendrapada: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district will remain closed for three months from Monday.
The visitors will be restricted to entry into the wildlife sanctuary
in view of mating and nesting season of saltwater crocodiles, informed the Forest Department.
The ban will be in force till July 31.
As the sound of the mechanised boats carrying tourists and forest officials disturbs the surroundings and makes the reptiles violent, restrictions have been imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks under Bhitarkanika, the Forest Department stated.
Bhitarkanika is the second Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, in the State after Chilika. The Odisha Government’s sustained conservation measures have made the site one of the best known wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
Bhitarkanika is home to a great variety of wildlife including spotted deer, saltwater crocodiles, water monitors, pythons and Sambars. It also houses a large number of migratory birds in winter.