22 Dec 2020


The National Tiger Conservation Authority has asked Odisha chief wildlife warden to submit a status report on the adverse impact of tourism on Satkosia Tiger Reserve by December 18. The move came after wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty alleged that ecotourism activities like camping on sand resorts, river cruise and treetop bridge walks were having an adverse impact on the local wildlife.

In his letter to the NTCA, Mohanty had complained that pitching of 20 tents at Badmul on Mahanadi riverbed inside the Satkosia Tiger Reserve would be extremely harmful for local wildlife.

“Riverbeds are unique ecological spaces that deserve to be left alone. The Mahanadi river bed within the tiger reserve is used for basking and nesting by turtles and crocodiles. Birds like Indian Skimmers, terns and Pratincoles use it for nesting and feeding. Setting up of tents and allowing tourists to stay on river beds impacts such wildlife and affects their ecological needs, including basking which is vital for metabolism of cold blooded creatures.

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