Celebrate Bison Conservation: Join the Exciting Fest at Debrigarh Sanctuary, Odisha!

Bison are thriving in Debrigarh, a hidden gem in Odisha’s Hirakud Wildlife Division. This sanctuary, covering 353 square kilometers, is home to about 659 bison, which accounts for a significant portion of India’s bison population. Remarkably, India houses around 85% of the world’s bison. With its rich grasslands and minimal human interference, Debrigarh has become a vital conservation area for these majestic animals.

Recently, Debrigarh hosted India’s first Bison Festival. The event brought together wildlife experts, local communities, and officials to discuss conservation strategies and the potential for sustainable eco-tourism. It highlighted the growing importance of these initiatives for both wildlife and local economies.

Local communities play a key role in the sanctuary’s success. Years ago, villages nearby were relocated to protect the bison’s habitat. Since then, residents have actively participated in maintaining the sanctuary. The Debrigarh Nature Camp is one successful eco-tourism project that has generated ₹5 crore this year, with 80% of revenue benefiting local villagers. About 100 community members run the camps, earning monthly incomes that significantly support their families.

Anshupragyan Das, the Divisional Forest Officer for Hirakud Wildlife, emphasized that community involvement is crucial. The locals’ cooperation has transformed Debrigarh into a safe haven for wildlife. Training programs are in place to help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, which have been largely successful thanks to community engagement.

Today, security in the sanctuary is robust, featuring 170 patrol squads and modern technology like drones and camera traps to prevent poaching. This proactive approach ensures not just the safety of wildlife but also of visitors. As eco-tourism grows, plans to establish a dedicated police station near Debrigarh are underway, aiming to enhance safety for both tourists and wildlife.

The festival wasn’t just about celebration; it also served as a platform to explore Debrigarh’s future. Officials are optimistic that, with continued conservation efforts and community support, Debrigarh could eventually be recognized as a national park and even a tiger reserve. Wildlife scientist Dr. K. Shankar praised Debrigarh’s effective management, calling it a "living laboratory" due to its exceptional biodiversity and conservation strategies. He noted the crucial role the Hirakud reservoir plays in sustaining bison populations by providing essential water sources.

As the community and local government work together, Debrigarh is setting a powerful example. With continued dedication, there is a chance that the Indian Bison Festival could eventually become an international event, drawing attention to the significance of wildlife conservation.

For more on bison conservation efforts, check out Wildlife Conservation Society.

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