In News:

Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has recently been approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to become India’s newest tiger reserve. This marks a significant ecological achievement rooted in community participation, innovative eco-tourism, and conservation success.

Location and Geography

• Situated in western Odisha, near Sambalpur and Bargarh district, Debrigarh is bordered by the Hirakud Reservoir—a Ramsar-tagged wetland and part of the Mahanadi River system.
• The Hirakud Dam, the world’s longest earthen dam, lies adjacent to the sanctuary.
• Spread over 804 sq km, it includes around 347 sq km of core area, encompassing forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it a unique amphi-terrestrial ecosystem.

Historical Significance

• The rugged terrain of Debrigarh was a strategic base for freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai during his armed resistance against British colonial rule.
• Sites like Bara Bakra/Barapathara remain important heritage landmarks within the sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna

• Vegetation: Dominated by mixed and dry deciduous forests, with species such as Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, and Dhaura.
• Mammals: Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, wild boar, chousingha (four-horned antelope), leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs.
• Avifauna: Over 300 bird species, including 120 migratory species such as crested serpent eagle, drongo, tree pie, flower peckers, and white-eye oriental.

Eco-Tourism and Innovation

• Debrigarh is home to India’s first dark sky tourism hub, offering stargazing facilities.
• Adventure tourism includes safaris (53 vehicles), kayaking, cycling, and birding trails, designed with minimal ecological footprint.

Conservation and Community Model

• Declared a sanctuary in 1985 and upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2025.
• A community-led model: Over 400 families voluntarily relocated with rehabilitation packages; 155 villages actively participate in conservation and eco-tourism activities.
• Wildlife success: Expansion of prey base, increase in gaur population, and nearly 40% of herds comprising newborns, reflecting ecosystem recovery.

Significance

Debrigarh exemplifies a national model of integrated conservation, blending:

• Biodiversity protection (tiger reserve status, prey base recovery).
• Cultural heritage (legacy of Veer Surendra Sai).
• Sustainable eco-tourism (dark sky hub, water- and land-based safaris).
• Community participation (relocation and livelihood integration).

Its success offers a replicable blueprint for wildlife conservation across India, highlighting how ecological protection, heritage, and rural livelihoods can be balanced under one framework.