Debrigarh sanctuary springs marvels this winter with signature feats for visitors
By D N Singh
As the temperature drops and the dew kisses the window pans, the frozen mornings mature slowly en-capsuling a wonder that is unforgiving and just majestic. Who in the world having a passion for nature would like to miss this spectacle in the woods of Odisha.
2023 winters at Debrigarh Sanctuary witnessed increased flow of tourists from different parts of India and foreigners from different countries to Debrigarh. Prime attraction is Safari, Cruise and welcoming local communities. Total revenue earned by Debrigarh Ecotourism upto end of December ‘2023 has already crossed 2.3Crore and by the end of this financial year revenue will be highly encouraging. 14 rooms are there for Night Stay which are full from November’23 to January’24.
18 Safari Vehicles ( open Jeep 4 numbers, 8 seaters, 12 seaters AC & Non AC ) are fully booked since October this year. Wildlife sighting has increased multifold including sighting of Leopards this winters in Debrigarh. Bison, Sambar, Chittal, Wildboar, Bear,Peacocks and commonly sighted by all visitors during safari. Proper grassland management, strict protection, community participation in conservation & village relocation has contributed a lot to successful Ecotourism at Debrigarh.
15 speed boats are also fully functional for Cruise to different Islands in 700Sq.km Hirakud Lake.Beside these Kayaking, Cycling , Trekking, camp fire, bird watching etc are also availed by visitors. More than 25000 visitors have availed all these activities till date. More than 75 families are earning livelihood from Debrigarh Ecotourism and each family is earning around 13 to 15 thousand per month round the year.
Last Financial year tourist footfall was 30,000 with revenue 2.5 Crore.
During 2023 – new Safari packages to Govindpur Birds Village, Barabakhra Pilgrimage Site & Veer Surendra Sai Memorial was started which has become very popular among Indian and foreign tourists. Newly opened Debrigarh Nature Park at Zeropoint and Hirakud Nature park at Govindpur, Souvenir Shop etc has facilitated fooding and resting facility for long distance visitors coming to Debrigarh.
