Cuttack: Boating banned in Mahanadi River for 7 days

Cuttack: The Forest Department has reportedly banned boating in the Mahanadi River in Cuttack for seven days in view of the annual census of the crocodiles and birds, informed sources.

As per the decision taken by the Forest Department, boating has been banned in the Mahanadi River for the annual counting of the crocodiles between January 5 and January 9, said the sources.

Similarly, restrictions over boating in the river will also be imposed for two more days i.e on January 17 and January 18 for the annual census of birds, added the sources.

Sources further said that the forest department also banned fishing in the river during these seven days. It is said that people who violate the restriction or go for either boating or fishing during the above-mentioned seven days will attract stricter actions.

Moreover, the boats which go against the restrictions will also be seized by the forest officials.

Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements are being done by the forest department to conduct the annual census of the crocodiles and birds smoothly and accurately. Several teams have been formed for the purposes.

It is to be noted here Odisha is the only state in the country to have all three species crocodile in the wild. The three species crocodiles are gharial, mugger and saltwater.