Как заповедник Дебригарх в штате Одиша превратился в новейший тигровый заповедник и центр экотуризма в Индии

A Remarkable Wildlife Sanctuary Ready to Embrace Big Cats

Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary stands on the brink of becoming one of India’s latest tiger reserves, a testament to successful conservation integrated with community partnership. This thriving sanctuary has shifted from a conflict-prone landscape with human settlements to a flourishing natural habitat applauded for its rich biodiversity and growing wildlife populations.

The Sanctuary’s Transformation and Wildlife Success

Spanning 804 square kilometres, Debrigarh received the nod for tiger reserve status from the National Tiger Conservation Authority in mid-2025. Once a hotspot of human-wildlife conflict, it has transformed dramatically, drawing more than 85,000 visitors and generating substantial tourism revenue of INR 5 crore in 2025. Key wildlife indicators reveal a robust ecosystem: a healthy density of prey animals, including gaur, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, and recovering wild dogs, while leopard numbers remain strong.

Perhaps most encouraging is the surge in new-born animals, forming 40% of the total herds, alongside a notable increase in Indian gaur populations—from 670 to over 700 within six months—highlighting a habitat ready to sustain apex predators like tigers.

Community Partnerships: A Win-Win Model

At the heart of Debrigarh’s conservation lies an innovative community partnership approach. More than 400 families previously residing within the sanctuary’s core voluntarily relocated under generous resettlement packages. These included financial compensation, agricultural land, permanent housing, and skill training.

Interestingly, these relocated families embraced entrepreneurship, leveraging their compensation to launch ventures such as computer centres, garages, shops, and travel agencies. This shift not only uplifts local livelihoods but also freed up 500 hectares of forest, now stable grasslands essential for herbivore populations. Furthermore, over 150 surrounding villages have joined hands as conservation allies rather than adversaries.

Debrigarh’s Unique Ecosystem Advantage

Geographically, Debrigarh benefits greatly from its proximity to the Hirakud Wetland—sharing more than 100 km of its boundary—which offers a unique blend of wetland, grassland, and forest habitats. This habitat diversity supports over 300 bird species, including 120 migratory ones, many of which use the wetland as a crucial stopover en route to Chilika Lake.

The recent Ramsar site designation of the wetland has further enhanced its global conservation profile. Notably, some migratory birds have been documented nesting during summer months, signaling habitat suitability year-round.

Introducing Dark Sky Tourism at Debrigarh

Adding to its allure, Debrigarh has emerged as a premier dark sky tourism destination in India. With an expansive area virtually free from artificial human habitation—totaling approximately 1,000 square kilometres—this sanctuary and wetland combination provides one of the country’s best stargazing venues. Newly opened stargazing rooms have become a magnet for visitors seeking pristine celestial views.

Visitors are offered eco-friendly night tours onto islands for constellation viewing, offering a rare immersive experience that is both educational and mesmerizing.

Historical and Cultural Ties Enrich the Sanctuary Experience

Debrigarh’s importance extends beyond its ecological value. Historically, it served as a stronghold for freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai during his resistance against British rule, a narrative now woven into the sanctuary’s identity through memorials and cultural sites. The Bara Bakra pilgrimage site within the sanctuary draws thousands of visitors annually, especially during the Sankranti festival, blending heritage tourism with nature conservation.

Technology-Powered Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

The sanctuary leverages advanced technology such as camera traps and AI-driven wildlife monitoring to enhance its conservation efforts. Plans to provide live wildlife feeds aim to engage a global audience virtually, broadening the sanctuary’s educational reach.

Debrigarh also stands out for its environmental initiatives, including a total ban on single-use plastics across the entire 1,000 square kilometre area and regular water quality testing of the reservoir—efforts aligned with cutting-edge sustainable tourism practices.

Employment and Visitor Services Growth

Over 100 families now find employment directly linked to tourism, with women making up 40% of this workforce. The forest department fosters local capacity building while communities actively manage visitor experiences across a variety of activities—jungles safaris, island visits, bird watching, kayaking, cycling, and cultural tours. Currently, 53 safari vehicles operate daily year-round, with visitor goals aiming to reach one million annually.

Increasing Global Recognition and the Road Ahead

International interest in Debrigarh is on the rise, attracting conservation experts, documentary filmmakers, writers, and photographers. Active promotional campaigns intend to elevate Debrigarh’s profile as a leading eco-tourism destination.

How This Makes a Difference for Transfers and Taxi Services

The rise of Debrigarh as a major eco-tourism hotspot will naturally boost demand for reliable local transportation, including taxis and private transfers. Platforms like GetTransfer.com offer travellers the ability to pre-book vehicles with precise details on seating, vehicle models, and driver ratings—ensuring that transfers to and from the UNESCO-worthy sanctuary or nearby airports are smooth and comfortable. As visitor numbers swell, convenient, transparent, and affordable ride services will become essential to maintain seamless travel experiences.

Why Personal Experience Trumps Reviews

While expert opinions and glowing reviews help paint a picture of Debrigarh’s transformation and services, nothing compares to first-hand encounters. On platforms like GetTransfer, travellers can hire cars with drivers from verified providers at fair prices—empowering them to make informed choices while avoiding common travel hassles. The blend of affordability, expansive vehicle options, and additional personalisation makes for a travel experience aligned perfectly with evolving eco-tourism demands.

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В кратком изложении

Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary exemplifies a successful conservation and community model that has led to its imminent designation as one of India’s newest tiger reserves. Balancing ecological restoration with cultural history and innovative tourism, it offers visitors pristine wildlife encounters alongside unique experiences like dark sky tourism. Sustainable practices and technology use bolster its role as a responsible destination poised for international acclaim. For travellers heading to this burgeoning natural gem or nearby airports, choosing trusted taxi and transfer services ensures an exact, comfortable, and seamless journey.

GetTransfer.com supports such travel ambitions by providing worldwide, user-friendly access to personalised transfer bookings, transparent pricing, and detailed vehicle descriptions—making it an ideal companion for visitors planning their ride to Debrigarh or any other city destination. Whether it’s a quick airport pickup or a multi-seater limousine for a group exploring the sanctuary’s surroundings, this platform offers convenience and reliability every step of the way.