Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr.Hari Babu Kambhampati has released a Coffee Table Book On Debrigarh. Debrigarh is a prominent wildlife sanctuary located in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India. It covers an area of approximately 347 square kilometers and is situated adjacent to the vast Hirakud Reservoir, which forms its eastern and northern boundary. This unique geographical position gives Debrigarh a rare amphi-terrestrial habitat, supporting a diverse ecosystem of both dry deciduous forests and aquatic biodiversity.
The sanctuary was officially declared in 1985 and is recognized for its rich fauna, including Indian leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs (dholes), gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer, spotted deer, and chousingha (four-horned antelope). It is also an important wintering ground, attracting a significant number of migratory waterfowl to the Hirakud Reservoir during the colder months. The varied birdlife makes it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Governor Dr.Kambhampati, Minister FE&CC Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, ACS Home and FE&CC, Shri Satybrata Sahu lauded efforts of DFO Hirakud Wildlife Division Smt.Anshu Pragyan Das, who has scaled up activities in Debrigarh.
Debrigarh holds historical significance as well. The renowned freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai used a location within the sanctuary called Barapathara as his base of operations during his rebellion against British colonial rule. This link between history and nature conservation is a distinctive feature of the area.
In recent years, Debrigarh has gained recognition for its community-managed eco-tourism model, which involves voluntarily relocated forest-dependent communities in conservation and tourism activities. This model has contributed to the sanctuary’s ecological revival and the socio-economic empowerment of the local people.
The sanctuary has also been in the news for its potential upgrade to a tiger reserve, reflecting its success in conservation efforts. It is also emerging as a notable destination for dark sky tourism. The Coffee Table Book, authored by DFO Smt.Anshu Pragyan Das, likely celebrates these natural, historical, and conservation achievements of Debrigarh and the wider region of Odisha.