KENDRAPARA: The hatchery and rearing complex of crocodiles at Dangamal within Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district was reopened to tourists after four years of renovation work. In 2013, the complex was closed for renovation.
The renovated crocodile complex was designed by Forest Department to provide open space for baby crocodiles to live in a nature friendly environment. The 43-year -old complex was renovated under Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) programme at a cost of `57.83 lakh, said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bhitarkanika National Park on Friday.
The facelift was meant to transform the facility into a modern hatchery and rearing complex for crocodiles and a bigger tourist attraction.
Though the Forest Department had stopped crocodile breeding and rearing programme five years back as population of the reptile skyrocketed from a mere 96 in 1974 to more than 1600 but the department renovated the centre to attract tourists to watch the baby crocodiles. “We also collect few eggs of crocodiles to breed them in the centre for tourists, researchers and herpetologists. The centre is now home of 74 crocodile hatchlings,” added the forest officer.
The construction company which had renovated the complex had not followed the guidelines making it inhabitable for baby crocodiles.
The baby crocodiles need sunlight and hatchlings need rain water in monsoon for their survival in a natural surroundings. But, the construction company had covered the roof of the complex with green plastic asbestos preventing sunlight and rain.
In 2014, a noted herpetologist Dr HR Bustrad during his visit to Bhitarkanika had expressed displeasure over the newly-built crocodile breeding centre at Dangamal. He also wrote to Chief Wildlife Warden and other forest officials stating that the centre was not built for the purpose of rearing of baby crocodiles for which the design of the centre was changed during the recent renovation, the forest officer added.