Coastal areas of Orissa State in the northeastern part of the Indian peninsula are potentially vulnerable to accelerated erosion hazard. Along the 480-km coastline, most of the coastal areas, including tourist resorts, hotels, fishing villages, and towns, are already threatened by recurring storm flood events and severe coastal erosion.

KENDRAPARA: It is six in the morning yet there is no trace of fishermen at the main fishing harbour in village Kharinashi in coastal Kendrapara.

Instead they are seen fishing in nearby rivers and creeks. Reason: the authorities have imposed fishing ban from November 1 to May 31 in the Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary covering 20 km off the coast to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.

KENDRAPARA: With the onset of summer, the authorities of Bhitarkanika National Park have taken a number of measures to protect the animals and the birds from the scorching heat. Water holes have been dug up and curtains hung around pens of animals. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that there is adequate drinking water so that the animals do not suffer from dehydration.

KENDRAPARA (ORISSA): Already declared a Ramsar wetland site, the Bhitakanika National Park with its rich bio-diversity and a unique eco-system is set to receive an even more exalted position being shortlisted for a World Heritage site.

KENDRAPARA: As many as 1610 estuarine crocodiles, including three reptiles measuring more than 20 feet, were sighted by the Forest officials in the water bodies of Bhitarakanika National Park during the week-long census, said Prasanna Kumar Behera, DFO, Bhitarkanika National Park.

Cuttack, Jan. 15: The number of tigers and lions is dwindling but not crocodiles.

The latest census report on Bhitarkanika National Park

At least 1,610 saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles were sighted by the Bhitarkanika forest personnel in the annual census of the crocodile, which was recently concluded at the creeks, rivulets and water bodies of the Bhitarkanika river system, said DFO of Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division PK Behera.

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has sought enhanced grants from the Thirteenth Finance Commission (TFC) for heritage conservation and development of tourist infrastructure in Orissa as tourism has become one of the major sources of employment generation.

Thousands of carcasses of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles are scattered along the stretch of sea beach from Dhamra to Paradip coast under Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest rookeries for the species, in the ongoing turtle nesting season. As a result, bad odour emanating from the dead turtles is creating unhygienic conditions in the beaches.

KENDRAPARA: This year

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