Bhitarkanika National Park reopens  

KENDRAPADA: The Bhitarkanika National Park reopened for tourists on Monday after the census of saltwater crocodiles and birds in the sanctuary completed.

The authorities had imposed a ban on visitors for ten days to conduct the census of the reptiles and migratory birds. The Forest department had closed the Park for tourists from January 8 to 17 to prevent noise pollution and crowding during the census said Rajnagar divisional forest officer.

Census of migratory birds was also carried out.

The head count drive of the endangered estuarine crocodiles was conducted under the supervision of wildlife personnel.

The Forest department had engaged 17 teams for the census work. The crocodile census was conducted in Rajnagar, Dangamala, Gahirmatha, Mahakalpara ranges within the sanctuary while the bird census was conducted in Mathabadia, Kalibhanjadia, Bagagahana, Satabahya and Gahirmatha areas.