Bhubaneswar, July 29: Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapada district will reopen for tourists from August 1 after remaining closed for three months due to the annual breeding season of saltwater crocodiles. The Rajnagar Forest Division has announced that all tourism activities will resume from Friday, allowing visitors to once again explore one of the country's richest mangrove ecosystems and renowned wildlife habitats.

According to forest officials, the park remained closed from May 1 to July 31 as a precautionary measure during the crocodile nesting and breeding season. During this period, female saltwater crocodiles become highly protective and aggressive while guarding their nests along creeks and riverbanks. To ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife and to minimise human disturbance during this crucial breeding phase, entry into the park was prohibited.

With the breeding season concluding on July 31, all tourist facilities, including boat services, watch towers, interpretation centres and entry gates, will resume normal operations from August 1. The Forest Department expects a large number of tourists and nature enthusiasts to visit the park during the upcoming tourism season.

Meanwhile, officials have completed the annual crocodile nest census across the Bhitarkanika waterways. The latest survey has recorded 117 nests of endangered saltwater crocodiles within the sanctuary. Of these, the Kanika Forest Range accounted for the highest number with 106 nests, reflecting the area's importance as a key breeding habitat.

Forest officials said the encouraging nesting figures indicate a healthy and stable breeding population of saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika, which is home to one of the largest populations of the species in India. Besides its famous crocodiles, the national park is also known for its dense mangrove forests, rich biodiversity, migratory birds, spotted deer and numerous aquatic species, making it one of Odisha's premier eco-tourism destinations.

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