The Bhitarkanika
National Park, reopened after remaining out of bounds for visitors for three months, has launched environment-friendly battery-operated electronic rickshaws for commuting tourists to the park.
In view of breeding season of estuarine crocodiles, three-month prohibition on entry of tourists and visitors to the wetland sites of the park had been clamped from May 1.
The ban on tourists' entry was enforced as human interference disturbs the breeding animals. The reptiles often turn violent and attack intruders during this period, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.
As the park reopened yesterday, "we introduced battery operated vehicles to carry tourists from Dangmal jetty site to the crocodile research centre within the core area of the park. Tourists mostly elderly people were facing a lot of hardship as there was motorised mode of transport to cover the two-km distance. The visitors were forced to trek the distance to reach the core area of the park," the official said.
In view of inconvenience, the battery-run carriage system has been introduced as earlier suggested by a house committee of state Assembly. The battery operated six-seater three-wheelers are noise-free and do not emit smoke. Tourists would have to pay Rs 10 fare to reach the park area, he added.
"Booking of tourists' cottages has begun. We were ready to play host to domestic and international tourists after two-month break. We receive about 50,000 tourists in a year. Emphasis is on to ensure safe and comfortable sojourn of visitors who throng here in large numbers to savour warmth of eco-system and unique environs of its wetlands. It has been made mandatory for the visitors to submit proof of identity to seek entry permit into the national park," said officials.
Boat journey along the mangrove-covered water bodies is a major attraction for tourists. On any given day, 350 to 400 tourists make voyage on water bodies by boats. There would be no compromise on the safety aspect. The private boats which are devoid of life jackets and other safety gadgets are barred from operating. The boats and vessels that are owned by the department are all endowed with safety equipment.
The 145 sq km Bhitarkanika National Park with its vast expanse of mangrove cover and wetland spots is an ideal eco-tourism destination for camping, trekking and picnics.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its saltwater crocodiles, resident and migrant avian species and huge varieties of mangrove species. Besides, millions of endangered olive ridley sea turtles turn up at Gahirmatha beach every year for mass-nesting. As many as 1,644 crocodiles were enumerated in the park this year.
