Debrigarh: The winter season of 2023 at Debrigarh Sanctuary witnessed a substantial increase in tourist footfall, attracting visitors from various parts of India and foreign countries. The primary attractions, including Safari, Cruise, and interactions with local communities, contributed to the sanctuary’s popularity. As of the end of December 2023, Debrigarh Ecotourism has already generated revenue exceeding 2.3 Crore, with expectations of a highly encouraging year-end financial figure. All 14 night stay rooms have been fully occupied from November 2023 to January 2024.
The demand for the 18 Safari Vehicles, which include open jeeps (4 numbers), 8-seaters, and 12-seaters (AC & Non-AC), has been consistently high since October. Wildlife enthusiasts experienced a significant increase in wildlife sightings, including rare Leopard sightings during this winter season. Other commonly sighted animals include Bison, Sambar, Chittal, Wild Boar, Bears, and Peacocks, enhancing the overall safari experience. The success of Debrigarh Ecotourism can be attributed to effective grassland management, stringent protection measures, active community participation in conservation efforts, and the relocation of villages.
In addition to safaris, Debrigarh offers a range of activities such as speedboat cruises to different islands in the 700 sq. km Hirakud Lake, kayaking, cycling, trekking, campfires, and bird watching. Over 25,000 visitors have participated in these activities to date. More than 75 families are earning their livelihoods through Debrigarh Ecotourism, with each family earning approximately 13 to 15 thousand per month throughout the year.
In the last financial year, Debrigarh Sanctuary recorded a tourist footfall of 30,000, generating a revenue of 2.5 Crore. In 2023, new Safari packages to Govindpur Birds Village, Barabakhra Pilgrimage Site, and Veer Surendra Sai Memorial were introduced, gaining immense popularity among Indian and foreign tourists. The newly opened Debrigarh Nature Park at Zeropoint and Hirakud Nature Park at Govindpur, along with souvenir shops, provide food and resting facilities for long-distance visitors.
As an exciting development for the new year, two new “Luxury Cruise” boats were launched on December 31, 2023, at Hirakud Reservoir and Wetland by Hirakud Wildlife Division. These spacious cruises feature 360-degree rotatable sophisticated chairs with dining facilities and will be managed by local communities, adding another dimension to the overall tourist experience at Debrigarh Sanctuary.
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