Kendrapara, Oct 24 (Reporter) Authorities at Bhitarkanika National Park have issued a high alert and closed the park to tourists until October 25, as Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Dhamara and Bhitarkanika National Park. Sudarshan Gopinath Jadav, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Rajnagar Mangrove Forest and Wildlife Division, stated that several mangrove trees could be uprooted, and the mangrove forest at Bhitarkanika could suffer significant damage if the cyclone makes landfall there. However, he added that the impact of the cyclone’s devastation may be minimized because the mangrove forest serves as a natural barrier, reducing the velocity of the wind and the force of tidal surges, thereby protecting nearby coastal villages. Despite this, the cyclone is expected to badly affect the mangrove vegetation planted this year in various areas near creek, nullah, and river banks. Habalikhati Island, a popular tourist destination located amid the sea, is also likely to face the cyclone’s wrath. In 2021, Cyclone Yaas left a trail of destruction on the island, damaging forest thatched roofs, cottages, doors, windows, and the floating jetty, while also uprooting several casuarina trees. Ekakula and Agarnashi islands were similarly impacted during Yaas. Forest officials are also concerned that the Nasi-2 beach, a key nesting site for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, could be severely affected by the strong winds and high tides brought by the cyclone. In the past, this beach, located within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, has experienced erosion during severe cyclones like Yaas, Bulbul, and Fani. Another major challenge facing forest personnel is the potential for wild animals, including wild boar and spotted deer, to enter human habitations. The estuarine crocodiles, along with vipers and pythons, may also stray into populated areas during high tides. High tides associated with low-pressure systems often lead crocodiles to move from their natural habitats. During floods, crocodiles may seek to escape hyper-salinity by traveling upstream, making it easier for them to drift into rivers, rivulets, and creeks, carried by the water currents. With tidal waves of up to 2 meters expected to inundate coastal areas due to Cyclone Dana, there is a high likelihood of wildlife, including reptiles, entering human habitations, Jadav warned. "The challenge during Cyclone Dana is not just protecting people from wildlife threats but also rescuing the animals themselves," Jadav said. "We have formed seven teams of forest personnel for rescue operations, evacuation, and tree removal to restore communication facilities both before and after the cyclone. Two of these teams are specifically tasked with handling wild animals, snakes, and crocodiles if they stray into human areas." These specialized teams will consist of highly trained personnel equipped with nets to capture crocodiles, wild boars, and spotted deer, as well as reptile grabbers to handle snakes, he added. Forest officials also expect the park’s eco-tourism infrastructure to face significant damage if Cyclone Dana makes landfall in Bhitarkanika. "We are keeping our fingers crossed and praying to the Lord of the Universe to save the area, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary from the devastation of Cyclone Dana," Jadav said...////...