image credits: Hirakud WL Division
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) secured the top eco-tourism destination spot in Odisha with a remarkable revenue of Rs 5.11 crore in the 2024-25 financial year. Nestled along the scenic Hirakud reservoir, this sanctuary welcomed 85,000 visitors during the year, reflecting a 40 per cent surge in tourist footfall compared to the previous fiscal.
A Surge in Visitors and Experiences
The sanctuary’s appeal lies in its diverse offerings. In 2024-25, 9,000 tourists opted for an immersive night stay at the nature camp, while 27,000 explored the wilderness through jungle safaris. The Hirakud cruise, a delightful boating experience on the reservoir, attracted 12,000 visitors, and 5,000 stopped by the Island Café. Additionally, the souvenir shop saw brisk business, with 10,000 tourists purchasing keepsakes. Visitors included two per cent foreigners, 48 per cent from outside Odisha, and 50 per cent from within the state.
This year’s revenue marks a significant jump from the Rs 3.5 crore earned in the previous fiscal, outpacing other eco-tourism hotspots like Similipal Tiger Reserve, which recorded Rs 3.73 crore. The sanctuary’s success is marked by its well-managed facilities and the dedication of local communities thus elevating Debrigarh into a model for sustainable tourism.
A Blueprint for Responsible Tourism in Debrigarh
With rising visitor numbers, Debrigarh’s management has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure a harmonious balance between tourism and wildlife conservation. Spanning a core area of 300 square kilometres, the sanctuary is home to a growing population of prey species and leopards. To protect this delicate ecosystem, the SOP limits vehicular movement to 53 safari vehicles per day, allowing a maximum of 318 visitors daily. The 15-kilometre forest road from the Zero Point entry gate to Parbatitung is designated for jungle safaris, operational between 6 am and 6 pm.
The SOP sets a speed limit of 20 kmph for safari vehicles, with 27 vehicles permitted in the forenoon and 26 in the afternoon across four slots. A minimum distance of 500 metres between vehicles prevents congestion. “Eco-tourism shall be an important economic and educational activity with low environmental impact,” states the SOP, issued by the Hirakud Wildlife Division. It aims to raise awareness about the Debrigarh and Hirakud ecosystems.
Divisional Forest Officer Anshu Pragyan Das emphasises the dual focus of the initiative: “The new SOP enhances animal sightings without disturbance and adds to visitors’ comfort. Our structured approach to nature tourism respects legal frameworks while offering immersive experiences.”
How is Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Empowering Local Communities?
Debrigarh’s triumph is influenced by its community-driven model. Around 85 local families are directly involved in eco-tourism services, including roles as eco-guides, safari drivers, cruise operators, and lodge providers. Women constitute 40 per cent of this workforce, with trailblazers like Margaret Baru, Odisha’s first female safari driver, and Sangeeta Sikra, the state’s first female eco-guide. Their contributions have not only preserved the sanctuary’s ecological balance but also ensured a high-quality experience for visitors.
“The focused management of the core area, along with scientific handling of the ecotone and Hirakud wetland, has been key to our success,” Das notes. This collaborative effort has positioned Debrigarh as Odisha’s highest-earning community-managed eco-tourism destination.
