Kendrapara, Dec. 23 -- The Bhitarkanika National Park will remain closed to visitors for three days - January 8-10, 2026 - for a status survey of the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile, said Vardaraj Gaonkar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Rajnagar Mangrove (Forest) and Wildlife Division, on Tuesday.
Gaonkar stated that a prohibition order for visitors will be enforced during this period to prevent noise pollution and ensure the smooth conduct of the survey in a calm and undisturbed environment.
The round-the-clock census operation will be monitored and supervised by technical experts deputed from the Wildlife Headquarters.
Enumerators, assisted by trained local forest staff, will cover the Bhitarkanika river system along with numer...