Paradip, Aug. 1: Authorities of the Bhitarkanika National Park have introduced environment-friendly, battery-operated electronic rickshaws to take tourists to the park.

During the breeding season of estuarine crocodiles, the visitors were prohibited from the wetland sites of the park.

A three-month-long prohibition was clamped from May 1 to avoid human interference as it caused disturbance to the animals.

The reptiles often turned violent and attacked intruders during this period, said Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

As many as 1,644 crocodiles were enumerated in Bhitarkanika National Park this year.

"We have introduced battery operated vehicles to shuttle tourists from the Dangmal jetty site to the crocodile research centre located within the park's core area. Prior to it, elderly people were facing problems as there was no motorised mode of transport to cover the 2km stretch. Visitors had to walk to reach the core area of the park," Acharya said.

"These electronic rickshaws were introduced according to a suggestion by an Assembly committee. The battery operated six-seated three-wheelers are noise-free and emit no smoke. A tourist would have pay Rs 10 to reach the park," he said.

An official said the booking for tourists' cottages had begun after two months. About 50,000 tourists visited the park in a year. It has also been made mandatory for visitors to show their identity proofs at the park's entry point.

Boat trip along the mangrove-covered water bodies is a major attraction for tourists. On any given day, 350 to 400 tourists take boat trips.

The department has ensured safety measures for the visitors. The private boats that were devoid of life jackets and other safety gadgets have been discarded.

Besides, operators were instructed to follow safety guidelines. Those found not complying with the orders would not be allowed to operate in the national park's water-bodies.