The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted its final approval for the designation of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha as a tiger reserve. This landmark decision follows a stunning ecological recovery driven by a successful voluntary village relocation program, making the Debrigarh Tiger Reserve a new benchmark for wildlife conservation in India.
Debrigarh’s Wild Transformation Stuns Experts
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
| Official Status | Final in-principle approval granted for creation of a new tiger reserve. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) |
| Location | Bargarh district, Odisha, adjacent to the Hirakud Reservoir. Government of Odisha |
| Significance | Becomes the 54th tiger reserve in India and the third in the state of Odisha. |
| Primary Success Factor | Voluntary and peaceful relocation of all 400 families from seven villages within the core area. |
A Landmark Conservation Success
The formal designation marks the culmination of over a decade of intensive conservation efforts by the Odisha Forest Department. The sanctuary, spanning over 800 square kilometers, is now set to receive enhanced central funding and technical support under the federal Project Tiger initiative, a program credited with helping double the nation’s tiger population in recent years.
“The declaration of Debrigarh as a tiger reserve is a testament to our commitment to preserving our natural heritage,” said an official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in a statement. “This success is built on the cooperation of local communities, which is the cornerstone of sustainable conservation.”
The new status grants the area the highest level of protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. This includes the deployment of a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) to combat poaching and other illegal activities.
The Transformation of the Debrigarh Tiger Reserve
Debrigarh’s journey is particularly notable for its unique approach to habitat restoration. For years, the presence of villages within the sanctuary’s core area led to significant human-wildlife conflict and habitat degradation, making it inhospitable for a resident tiger population.
The Crucial Role of Village Relocation
The turning point came with the successful implementation of a completely voluntary resettlement program. Between 2015 and 2023, all families residing inside the core zone were relocated to new settlements with improved amenities, including housing, electricity, and access to schools.
This human-centric approach ensured the process was peaceful and effective, creating an inviolate core habitat of nearly 350 square kilometers. Wildlife experts have praised the model as a humane and replicable strategy for resolving longstanding conservation challenges across the country.
Rebuilding the Ecosystem
With human disturbance removed, the sanctuary’s ecosystem has rebounded dramatically. Officials report a significant increase in the prey base, including large populations of gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and wild boar.
“The habitat has regenerated, and the prey density has reached a level that can now support a breeding population of tigers,” stated a senior biologist with the Wildlife Institute of India. “Camera traps have confirmed the presence of multiple tigers, including a female with cubs, which indicates that they are now establishing permanent territory.”
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the designation is a major victory, officials acknowledge that challenges remain. The primary focus will now shift to strengthening the wildlife corridors that connect the Debrigarh Tiger Reserve to other protected areas in the region. Maintaining these links is vital for ensuring genetic diversity among the tiger population.
Furthermore, managing the buffer zone—the area surrounding the core habitat—will be critical to mitigating any future human-wildlife conflict and ensuring local communities continue to benefit from the conservation efforts through eco-tourism and other sustainable livelihood programs.
The story of Debrigarh is expected to provide valuable lessons for other protected areas grappling with similar issues. The successful partnership between the government and local communities has not only secured a future for tigers in this landscape but has also set a powerful precedent for wildlife conservation nationwide.
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FAQs
1. Where is the Debrigarh Tiger Reserve located?
The Debrigarh Tiger Reserve is located in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India, on the banks of the Hirakud Reservoir.
2. Why is this designation significant?
It is significant because it recognizes the successful ecological restoration of the sanctuary, making it a safe habitat for tigers. It is Odisha’s third and India’s 54th tiger reserve, strengthening the national conservation network.
3. Were people forced to move for the reserve?
No, according to official reports from the Government of Odisha, the relocation of all seven villages from the core area was entirely voluntary. The government provided resettlement packages with improved facilities.
