File picture of Similipal National Park

Balasore, Nov. 11: The Similipal National Park will be opened for tourists from Wednesday after a gap of nearly four months.

Authorities were forced to defer its opening for tourists because of Phailin. Earlier, it was scheduled to open on November 1.

“We have restored the communication with almost all the places in the national park,” said regional chief conservator of forest, Baripada, Anup Kumar Nayak.

“The opening date was deferred to November 13 for restoration of communication and other basic works. We will make the motorable roads fit for use shortly,” he said.

The cyclone had hit hard the roads inside the national park. The damaged is estimated at Rs 2.8 crore.

Fifty-six small wooden footbridges and baileys, four towers and several roads inside the core and buffer areas were damaged by the heavy flow of rainwater.

Besides, around 20 forest establishments, including 13 anti-poaching camps and the camp of the deputy director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, were also damaged. About 200 trees were uprooted, blocking the roads.

The authorities decided to open the sanctuary from Wednesday after damaged roads and bridges were partially restored.

Three gram panchayats located inside the national park were cut off following the heavy downpour and strong winds.

Forest roads, which are the only way of approach the tiger habitat, were badly damaged at 12 places.

Honorary wildlife warden of Baripada Banoomitra Acharya said: “Rain in the Similipal upper region was unprecedented. Around 200mm rain was recorded on October 13.”

“Heavy rain in the upper catchment areas of Budhabalanga caused extensive damage to not only the plain, but also the Similipal biosphere,” he said.

Deputy director of Simlipal Tiger Reserve Bikash Dash said: “Important tourist spots such as Pithabata, Gudgudia, Berheipani and Joronda were severely affected. Most of wooden bridges have been either washed away or become unfit.”

“The damaged camps and buildings are being repaired,” he said.