Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: DH

Context: Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has received NTCA approval to become India’s newest tiger reserve after a remarkable ecological and community-led transformation.

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• What it is? A protected area in western Odisha, now upgraded to a tiger reserve, known for rich biodiversity, eco-tourism, and community-driven conservation.

• A protected area in western Odisha, now upgraded to a tiger reserve, known for rich biodiversity, eco-tourism, and community-driven conservation.

• Location: Located near Sambalpur, bordered by the Hirakud Reservoir.

• Located near Sambalpur, bordered by the Hirakud Reservoir.

• History:

• Freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai used Debrigarh’s rugged terrain as his base during resistance against the British. Bara Bakra inside the sanctuary remains a pilgrimage site linked with his legacy. Declared a sanctuary in 1985 and NTCA approved it as a tiger reserve in 2025.

• Freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai used Debrigarh’s rugged terrain as his base during resistance against the British.

• Bara Bakra inside the sanctuary remains a pilgrimage site linked with his legacy.

• Declared a sanctuary in 1985 and NTCA approved it as a tiger reserve in 2025.

• Key Features:

• Spread over 804 sq km, with ~347 sq km core area and adjoining wetlands. Fauna: Indian bison, sambar, wild boar, leopards, wild dogs, chousingha (four-horned antelope), 300+ bird species (120 migratory). Ecosystem: Unique amphi-terrestrial habitat of forests, grasslands, and wetlands; Ramsar-tagged Hirakud Wetland. Innovative eco-tourism: India’s first dark sky tourism hub with stargazing facilities; 53 safari vehicles, kayaking, cycling, birding trails.

• Spread over 804 sq km, with ~347 sq km core area and adjoining wetlands.

• Fauna: Indian bison, sambar, wild boar, leopards, wild dogs, chousingha (four-horned antelope), 300+ bird species (120 migratory).

• Ecosystem: Unique amphi-terrestrial habitat of forests, grasslands, and wetlands; Ramsar-tagged Hirakud Wetland.

• Innovative eco-tourism: India’s first dark sky tourism hub with stargazing facilities; 53 safari vehicles, kayaking, cycling, birding trails.

• Significance:

• Conservation success: Prey base expansion, gaur population growth, 40% newborn animal herds. Community model: 400 families voluntarily relocated with rehabilitation package; 155 villages engaged as conservation partners. National model: Integrates wildlife protection, sustainable tourism, and historical heritage—a replicable blueprint for other reserves.

• Conservation success: Prey base expansion, gaur population growth, 40% newborn animal herds.

• Community model: 400 families voluntarily relocated with rehabilitation package; 155 villages engaged as conservation partners.

• National model: Integrates wildlife protection, sustainable tourism, and historical heritage—a replicable blueprint for other reserves.