The Odisha Government has recently been in news due to a critical decision taken towards minimizing human-animal conflicts in the region. The government decided to relocate about 420 families inhabiting four zero-connectivity villages located within the boundaries of the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary. Besides addressing the frequent man-animal conflicts, this move is expected to ensure improved living conditions for the displaced families. This is a significant step towards environment conservation and social welfare – two major areas that often come into conflict in regions where humans and animals share habitats.
The Geographical Placement of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary occupies a land spanning 346.91 square kilometers within the Bargarh district of Odisha. The sanctuary is situated near the Hirakud Dam on the river Mahanadi and is characterized by the vast Hirakud reservoir in its east and north. The Odisha Government’s declaration on February 8, 1985, officially recognized it as a wildlife sanctuary. Over time, Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary has emerged as a crucial site for in situ conservation practices that focus on protecting wildlife species and their natural habitats within the territory of Odisha.
The Rich Biodiversity of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The biodiversity seen in the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary boasts a procession of distinct flora and fauna. The primary vegetation in the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forests. Within these woody landscapes, one can spot a variety of animal species such as the four-horned antelope, Indian leopard, Indian elephant, sambar, chital, and gaur.
The Protected Areas of Odisha: More Than Just Debrigarh
Odisha is home to several protected areas committed to preserve its unique biodiversity. Apart from the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, the state hosts two National Parks – Bhitarkanika National Park and Simlipal National Park.
The list of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha is fairly exhaustive with eight other sanctuaries besides Debrigarh. These include Badrama WLS, Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS, Hadgarh WLS, Baisipalli WLS, Kotagarh WLS, Nandankanan WLS, Lakhari Valley WLS, and Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS. Each of these sites plays a key role in preserving unique ecosystems and providing critical habitats for their respective flora and fauna.
The decision to relocate families from within the wildlife sanctuary’s boundaries reflects the Odisha Government’s dedication to balance both environmental preservation and community welfare. The move underlines the significance of maintaining harmony between human settlement and natural habitats, making it an excellent example of sustainable development strategies.
