Bhubaneswar, 29 July (H.S.): Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district is set to reopen for tourists from August 1, following the conclusion of its annual closure during the crocodile breeding season, officials from the Rajnagar Forest Division announced.

The park had remained closed from May 1 to July 31 as a precautionary measure during the peak breeding period of saltwater crocodiles. During this time, female crocodiles exhibit aggressive behavior while guarding their nests along creeks and riverbanks, prompting the forest department to restrict entry to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

With the breeding season ending on July 31, all tourism-related facilities, including boat services, watchtowers, and entry gates, will resume normal operations from August 1.

Bhitarkanika National Park is one of Odisha’s प्रमुख eco-tourism destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually for its rich mangrove ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and significant population of saltwater crocodiles.

Meanwhile, the forest department has completed its annual crocodile nest census across the Bhitarkanika waterways. According to the latest survey, a total of 117 saltwater crocodile nests have been identified within the sanctuary. The Kanika Range recorded the highest number, with 106 nests.

Officials stated that the healthy nesting figures indicate a stable and thriving breeding population of endangered saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika, which is home to one of the largest concentrations of the species in India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda