About the Sanctuary

After enactment of Wild Life (Protection) Act’ 1972, effective steps were taken up for creation of National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries in Orissa by the State Govt. Debrigarh Wild Life Sanctuary is one among them. It is declared as Sanctuary by the State Govt. vide Govt. Notification No2409/FFAH Dt 08.02.1985, comprising all the Compartments of Lohara and Debrigarh Reserved Forests.

India is one amongst the 12-mega diversity regions of the world and much of its biodiversity is concentrated in the North-East, West Bengal and Orissa. In a traditionally agricultural society like that in India, where more than 70% of the people still depend upon agriculture and where the population has more than doubled during the last couple of decades, the land hunger and the consequent pressure on the natural renewable resources is tremendous. Besides, a large portion of the sector still depends upon the forests for sustaining their basic needs.

In the midst of this demand lies an open treasure called the Debrigarh Sanctuary. The sanctuary is like an emerald nestled in the serene blue waters of Hirakud Reservoir. The Reservoir is the largest manmade water body in Asia and flanks about one third of the sanctuary boundary on the eastern side. While approaching the sanctuary the road meandors along the shore of the reservoir, and heightens the anticipation of any visitor.

The sanctuary in turn harvests the rain- water in its mini- catchments and drains of into the reservoir. This symbiosis forms a safe haven for the wild animals and the fresh waters of the reservoir forms a breeding ground for fishes. The undulating topography and the soil type of the sanctuary supports miscellaneous sal forests with abundant bamboo clumps, which is sufficient to support an entire food web. The banks of the sanctuary form a fertile ground for the growth of grasses and reeds. The reed- covered banks give a shelter to the migratory birds and form safe hideouts for them. Hence the sanctuary is ecologically unique.

The anticipation of any visitor approaching the sanctuary fructifies when a number of wild animals are sighted as he travels along the forest road from Dhodrokusum. In the dry summer months, the scarcity of water on the upper slopes attracts the wild animals to the blue shores of the reservoir. Therefore, sighting of wild animals is guaranteed as one travels along the forest road in the summer months. It is, therefore, a treat in waiting for anyone who dares to venture into the sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is also linked culturally to the glorious past of the Freedom Fighter Shri Veer Surendra Sai, who sought refuge in the dense forests of Barapahar and fought gorilla war against the British from the forests of the sanctuary. The local leader is held in high esteem and the places used as hideouts by the famous leader are considered sacred. Hence for both ecological as well as cultural reasons the place should be conserved.