Kendrapara, Feb. 29: The forest department plans to ban mechanised boats along water bodies of the Bhitarkanika National Park to end noise pollution.

An Assembly sub-committee, during its recent visit to the forest, had suggested the use of pollution-free and manual non-mechanised boats. It has also called for operating battery-operated carriages to transport tourists from the ferry ghats to the rest shed sites, said a park official.

The mechanised boats, which ferry tourists to the ecotourism destinations in the park, are a constant source of sound pollution and disturb the wildlife - mostly the estuarine crocodiles. The boats also spoil the environs of the wetland sites.

Now, the department is thinking about implementing the eco-friendly measures to protect the park and its wildlife. However, the mechanised boats that operate in Bhitarkanika have already installed machinery to lower the noise, said Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

"We are waiting for clearance from the chief wildlife warden before imposing the ban," he said.

According to reports, the forest department grants licence permits only to those eco-friendly vessels, which have safety gadgets, insurance cover and devices to prevent noise generation.

"We receive about 50,000 tourists a year. Our emphasis is to ensure their safety and comfort, so that they can savour the warmth of the eco-system and unique environs of its wetlands. The department has introduced luxury vessels to attract more tourists," said the official.

In another development, the park authorities have banned private boats that do not carry life jackets and other safety gadgets for the tourists. The boats and vessels that are owned by the department are all stocked with safety equipment. It has also issued directions to the operators to abide by the safety guidelines, said Acharya.

"On average, 350 to 400 tourists sail on the water bodies on these boats every day. We will not compromise on their safety. The department is intent on ensuring the travellers' safety," he said.