In a significant push to enhance nature tourism in Odisha, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has unveiled ambitious new projects utilizing Rs 71 crore in recently allocated funds. The comprehensive initiative aims to transform the sanctuary into a premier ecotourism destination while simultaneously supporting local communities and conservation efforts.
Community-Centric Tourism Development
The sanctuary authorities have designed these projects with a dual focus: attracting more visitors while generating employment for forest-dependent families in nearby villages. According to Anshu Pragyan Das, divisional forest officer of Hirakud, many of these villages face challenges related to human-animal conflicts, and the new initiatives will provide crucial economic alternatives.
"These initiatives are designed not only to draw tourists but also to create employment opportunities for forest-dependent families in nearby villages," Das emphasized. She confirmed that most projects will be implemented within the current financial year.
The community engagement strategy includes establishing 20 eco-friendly tents at 'Zero Point,' located outside the sanctuary amid picturesque farmlands. Additionally, the number of homestays in surrounding villages will expand significantly from 5 to 15, offering tourists an authentic experience of local culture and lifestyle.
Innovative Tourism Infrastructure
Among the standout features is a spectacular 300-meter-long canopy walk that will soar 100 feet above the ground, providing visitors with unprecedented treetop views of the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. This engineering marvel promises to become a major attraction for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The development plan also includes several other enhancements:
- Replacement of aging safari vehicles and cruise boats
- Upscaling of the popular Island Cafe in Hirakud
- Improvement of existing facilities including the ecotourism cell, booking counter, and souvenir shop
- Construction of nature meditation camps and log house tents on wooden bases
Educational and Conservation Initiatives
A temporary meditation center and library, constructed using glass and wood, will serve as an educational hub for nature programs and storytelling sessions. This versatile space can accommodate up to 80 people and will help visitors better understand Debrigarh's ecological significance.
On the conservation front, authorities plan to erect a 100-kilometer barrier along the sanctuary boundary to reduce human-animal conflicts and support wildlife population growth. The barrier will be strategically placed to avoid disrupting contiguous forest patches and animal corridors, ensuring minimal impact on natural habitats.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates how wildlife tourism can be developed sustainably while benefiting both conservation efforts and local economies. The Debrigarh model could potentially serve as a blueprint for other wildlife sanctuaries across India seeking to balance tourism growth with ecological preservation and community welfare.
