Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve, which was closed due to cyclone Dana that hit Odisha recently, was opened for tourists on Tuesday, 29 October. STR and the national park were closed on 23 October due to the cyclone. Officials informed that STR Park will be fully opened for all tourists on October 20.
Tourists will be given entry from Jashipur Gate for now, but Pithabata Gate will remain closed because the road leading there has been completely broken due to the cyclone. After repair, it will also be opened for tourists.
Country’s main tiger reserve
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 boar, four-horned antelope and giant squirrels are also found in this sanctuary.
Heavy loss due to cyclone Dana
Cyclone Dana had hit Odisha on 25 October. There has been huge loss in the state due to the cyclone. State Management Minister Suresh Pujari had informed that the cyclone has caused damage in 14 districts of the state. A total of 35.95 lakh people have been affected by this. 5,840 houses have been damaged across the state due to the storm and floods. According to the government report, 8,10,896 people have been evacuated safely in this cyclone.
The government is taking stock of the damage caused in the state due to Cyclone Dana. Officials said that a survey is going on to find out how many people need compensation and how many houses have been damaged by the storm.
