Bhubaneswar, 5/1 : Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is slated to receive two new tigers, a move aimed at bolstering the big cat population and intensifying conservation initiatives in the region. The announcement was made today by the state’s Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia. The Minister confirmed that the state government is actively coordinating with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to facilitate the relocation of the tigers from Similipal.
Minister Singh Khuntia highlighted the critical role of local community engagement for the success of this ambitious project. He emphasized that ongoing discussions with villagers are crucial to secure their support and ensure the safe integration and future breeding of the tigers within the sanctuary. Without strong community backing, guaranteeing the safety and proliferation of the big cats would be challenging, the Minister stated.
The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance biodiversity and strengthen tiger conservation efforts across Odisha. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Bargarh district, has recently been upgraded to a tiger reserve status, making it Odisha’s third tiger reserve after Similipal and Satkosia. This 347 square kilometer sanctuary, historically known as a hideout for freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, is recognized for its rich biodiversity and healthy prey density, including gaur, sambar, and spotted deer.
Previous efforts to introduce tigers, such as the relocation of tigresses Yamuna and Jinat (also referred to as Jeenat or Jamuna) from Similipal, have not yet yielded desired breeding results. Authorities continue to monitor the existing tigers through GPS collars and camera traps to track their movements and activities, and it is hoped that the arrival of these new tigers will lead to a significant boost in population growth. The Minister, while hearing grievances at the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, reiterated the government’s continuous efforts despite limited success in past breeding outcomes.
The introduction of these two new tigers is a vital step towards reviving the big cat population in western Odisha and reaffirms the state’s commitment to wildlife preservation. The comprehensive approach integrates ecological goals with active community involvement, fostering a shared responsibility for conservation.
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