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Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve, which was closed due to Cyclone Dana that hit Odisha recently, was opened to tourists on Tuesday, October 29 and the national park was closed on October 23 due to the cyclone. Officials reported that STR Park will be fully open to all tourists on October 20.
Tourists will be able to enter through the Jashipur gate for now, but the Pithabata gate will remain closed as the road leading there has been completely broken due to the cyclone. After repair, it will also be opened to tourists.
The main tiger reserve in the country
Located in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, this Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 2750 km, which has different types of vegetation and 96 types of orchids. 42 types of mammals, 242 types of birds and 30 types of reptiles also live in the sanctuary. Apart from the rare tigers, royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, sambar deer, gaur, wild boars, four-horned antelopes and giant squirrels are also found in this sanctuary.
Large losses due to Cyclone Dana
Cyclone Dana hit Odisha on October 25. There have been huge losses in the state due to the cyclone. State Management Minister Suresh Pujari reported that the cyclone caused damage in 14 districts of the state. A total of 35.95 lakh people have been affected due to this. 5,840 homes have been damaged statewide due to the storm and flooding. According to the government report, 8,10,896 people have been safely evacuated during this cyclone.
The government takes stock of the damage caused in the state by Cyclone Dana. Officials said a survey is underway to determine how many people need compensation and how many homes have been damaged by the storm.
