Bhubaneswar, 07 January (H.S.): Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district will remain closed to tourists from January 8 to January 10 in view of the annual crocodile census.

According to official sources, the Rajnagar Wildlife Division has imposed restrictions on tourist movement in the national park as well as in the adjoining river channels during the census period to ensure an accurate headcount of crocodiles.

In a related development, the Satkosia Tiger Reserve has also commenced its crocodile census from January 8. As many as 14 teams, comprising around 70 forest personnel and researchers, have been deployed to conduct the three-day survey. Last year’s census recorded 115 crocodiles in the Mahanadi river stretch within the reserve.

The Forest Department has advised tourists and fishermen to stay away from the restricted areas during the census period, stating that human movement could disrupt the survey process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda