Bhubaneswar: The mangrove forest spread over nearly 200 square km in Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district would reduce the impact of impending cyclone Dana in Rajnagar and Rajkanika area.
This was stated by Principal Chief Conservators of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife, Susanta Nanda here today.
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district and Dhamra port in Bhadrak district on Thursday night or Friday morning as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph.
“It is a matter of relief for Odisha as the cyclone is likely to hit the coast at Bhitarkanika where we have a mangrove forest area spanning over nearly 200 sq km,” Shri Nanda told media here.
The mangrove forest would act as a protector from the cyclone as it would reduce the vulnerability of adjacent coastal lands from tidal surges and also reduce the wind velocity, he said.
The Forest department has formed five teams to clear uprooted trees from roads and another two teams to rescue crocodiles, if they will move to any habitations in the aftermath of the cyclone, PCCF Shri Nanda said.
“Besides, we have issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by our forest divisions during the cyclone,” he stated.
When asked about steps taken for protection of wild animals of Bhitarkanika National Park, he said the wild animals of the park are very well acquainted with cyclones. The deer will move to a safer place inside the forest while birds will return to other places.
PCCF Shri Nanda said that only the crocodiles may move to some habitations when a high tidal surge hits the area. So, two teams have been formed to rescue the crocodiles in distress, he added.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Rajnagar (Kendrapara district), Sudharshan G Yadav said forest officials are in readiness with necessary equipment to rescue crocodiles when necessary.
A control room has been set up which is functioning round the clock. The forest departmental boats, which are used for patrolling, will be kept in safe places to avoid damage due to the cyclone, he said.
PCCF Shri Nanda informed that the Nandankanan Zoo and State Botanical Garden here will also remain closed for visitors on October 24 and 25 in view of the impending cyclone.
Besides, all eco-tourism sites would also remain closed for the visits for next two days keeping the local situation in view, he said, adding, the money spent by visitors to book the sites would be returned.
Earlier, the authorities had closed Similipal Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika National Park for tourists from October 23 to 25 because of cyclone Dana.
In view of the possible cyclonic storm, the State Museum, Odisha State Archives and Harekrushna Mahatab State Library will remain closed for the public on tomorrow and October 25.
Additionally, all universities, colleges and schools under the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture will also be closed on these two days.
Furthermore, all the mandaps such as Rabindra Mandap, Utkal Mandap and Bhanjakala Mandap will remain closed during this period due to the possible cyclonic situation, as per the decision taken by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.
The Department of SSEPD has also decided to close the special schools in 14 districts which would face the impact of cyclone Dana during the next two days.