Bhittarkanika- A paradise of wilderness

Bhittarkanika –nature’s treasure trove is not much far off Bhubaneswar – the capital of Odisha a mere distance of 130 km. Bounded by rivers on three sides and the sea on the fourth, numerous creeks criss cross Bhitarkanika landscape. Even canals forming an esturine delta- which runs off into Bay of Bengal. Nested in one such deltaic region of Brahmani and Baitarani (Dhamara) river system, the Bhittarakanika wild life sanctuary rich in biodiversity and with pristine beauty of nature covering an area of 672 sq. km. was carved in 1975 to preserve it in its original grandeur. Later the core area of the sanctuary was designated as Bhittarkanika National Park in 1988.

The present day Bhittarkanika was part of Kanika Zamindary, one of the largest estates in Odisha. The place was known as a remote even hostile tract of coastal forests, whose ruler was unreliable and particularly dangerous to the marine traders off its coast. During the British period, the rulers of Kanika enjoyed some amount of freedom within the Zamindary area. After independence, the forests of erstwhile Kanika state was vested with the Govt. of Odisha.

Bhittarkanika represents a unique combination of four diverse ecosystems,. They are; a) Riverine or fresh water ecosystem (b) Brackish water ecosystem (c) Salt water ecosystem (d) Land mass ecosystem. The deltaic region of Bhittarkanika is also widely acclaimed for its biodiversity both its flora and fauna. It has got the second largest compact mangrove ecosystem in India next only to Sunderbana in West Bengal but simultaneously it achieves the distrinction of richest among all the mangrove areas of the country. Out of 72 species of mangroves and associates identified the world over, Bhittarkanika has 63 evergreen mangrove species and their associates Mangrooves are defined as a group of specialized plant community confined to the estuaries and are equipped with natural adaption such as pneumetaphores, stilt roots and hypocotiles to survive in estuarine conditions. Prominent among the mangrove flora are, Sundari, Bani, Keruan, Rai, Kharsi, Bandari, Sisumar and Paniamba etc.

The alternate tidal inundation creates its own natural biodiversity. When the tide rushed in, the mangrove forest floats and the water kisses the foliage. When it recedes the multilayer mud flats on either banks got exposed providing a play ground for feeder crabs, mud skipper, fish, little reptiles and such like marine species. Other faunal splendour of the locality consists of large population of estuarine crocodiles, Indian water monitor lizards, poisonous and non poisonous snakes like King cobra and python, upwards of 200 varieties of resident and migratory birds and number of mammalian species like spotted deer, sambar wild boar, fishing cat, jungle cat, otter etal.

Of late Bhittarkanika has become one of the major attractions for eco-tourists and nature lovers. Bhittarkanika river in its serpentine passage fringed with mangrove tree canopy kissing the water in either side offers picturesque beauty. A boat drive over Bhittarkanika river and Khola creek is a feast of nature lover’s eyes –Nature at its mesmerizing best. Giant crocodiles of all ages basking on the mud flats under the mellow sun and chittals browsing along the banks during dawn and dusk, waders moving around in the mud bank in search of food are sights most thrilling and bewildering. Thick canopy of forests where the sunlight can hardly reach the forest floor, estuarine swamps with over sixty odd varieties of mangrove plants and its associates, isolated yet sprawling sandy beaches of Gahirmatha and Ekkula Nasi hosting annual egg lagging ceremony of famous Olive Ridley sea Turtles, ferocious crocodiles, basking on the mud flats add to the thrill of Bhittarkanika. In fact Bhittarkanika is one of the places, where wild animals are at their visible best.

A couple of deltaic islands are also found in this region, that are formed by the meandering creeks. Dangamal is one such major island Situated in the centre of the park it’s the most happening island most of the tourism activity spreads around this island. It incidentally is also a place of immense biodiversity. A walk on the nature trail over a stretch of four kms in the nearby Bhittarkanika forest block which passes through the ruins of an ancient village of old mariners is a thrilling experience and a must for all nature lovers. ‘Ekakula’ is another beautiful island situated in the most secluded part of the National Park fronting Bay of Bengal in one side and ‘Maipura’ river on the other. The serene beach near Ekakula island is a potential nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles. Habalikhati is another island facing sea, which was once famous for Olive Ridley sea Turtle research centre. Miles and miles of tranquil and lonely beach at both these places are nature lovers paradise.

Away from the blinding lights of crowded cities, Bhittarkanika is a different world together, a real retreat in the lap of nature. Thick forests where the sunlight can hardly reach the forest floor, estuarine swamps holding over sixty varieties of mangrove plants, isolated, lonely beaches, variety of wildlife, giant olive Ridley Turtles, salt water crocodiles add to the thrill of eco-visitors. Such a land of rare and exquisite beauty and a naturalist’s paradise in the north east corner of the state of Odisha is Bhittarkanika - a wonder in the wild.      

Bijay Ketan Patnaik writes Odia poems, Essays on Environment, Birds, Animals, Forestry in general, and travel stories both on forest, eco-tourism sites, wild life sanctuaries as well as on normal sites. Shri Patnaik has published nearly twentifive books, which includes three volumes of Odia poems such as Chhamunka Akhi Luha (1984) Nai pari Jhia(2004) andUdabastu (2013),five books on environment,and rest on forest, birds and animal ,medicinal plants for schoolchildren and general public..

He has also authored two books in English " Forest Voices-An Insider's insight on Forest,Wildlife & Ecology of Orissa " and " Chilika- The Heritage of Odisa".Shri Patnaik has also translated a book In The Forests of Orrisa" written by Late Neelamani Senapati in Odia.

Shri Patnaik was awarded for poetry from many organisations like Jeeban Ranga, Sudhanya and Mahatab Sahitya Sansad , Balasore. For his travellogue ARANYA YATRI" he was awarded most prestigious Odisha Sahitya Academy award, 2009.Since 2013, shri patnaik was working as chief editor of "BIGYAN DIGANTA"-a monthly popular science magazine in Odia published by Odisha Bigyan Academy.

After super annuation from Govt Forest Service  in 2009,Shri Patnaik now stays ai Jagamara, Bhubaneswar, He can be contacted by mail  bijayketanpatnaik@yahoo.co.in