Kendrapara, Aug 1: The Bhitarkanika National Park will reopen for tourists and visitors today.
The park was closed on May 1 in view of the breeding season of salt-water crocodiles. All arrangements for reopening the wildlife sanctuary for tourists have been completed. Once it reopens, the tourists will be restricted to enter with polythene bags, the source said.
The park remained closed for three months from May 1 to July 31 for tourists.
The sound of the mechanised boats, which carry tourists and forest officials, disturbs the surroundings and makes the reptiles violent. Therefore, the restriction was imposed at Bhitarkanika, Dangamala and Ragadapati forest blocks under Bhitarkanika.
The mother crocodiles lay their eggs after the mating period following which they protect the egg shells until the baby is born. During this time, the mother crocodiles are more likely to get violent and attack.
