Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary steps up monsoon vigil with enhanced anti-poaching measures

Bhubaneswar: The Hirakud Wildlife Division has intensified protection measures at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary for the monsoon season by issuing a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen surveillance, prevent wildlife crime and improve emergency response from July to October.

The SOP comes as the onset of monsoon increases conservation challenges in the 353 sq km sanctuary, which is home to a large population of gaur, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, spotted deer, four-horned antelope and the endangered Indian dhole.

Officials said nearly 100 km of the Hirakud Reservoir forms the sanctuary’s northeastern boundary, making it vulnerable to illegal entry by boat for poaching and timber smuggling. On the southwestern side, six popular waterfalls attract large numbers of visitors during the rainy season, increasing the risk of unauthorised entry and disturbance to wildlife.

To strengthen protection, the Forest Department has identified 129 foot-patrolling routes covering 941 km and constituted 28 patrolling teams, including 11 inside the sanctuary and 17 along its boundary. A total of 62 vulnerable locations, including entry points, village boundaries, forest roads, waterfalls and reservoir access points, have also been brought under intensified surveillance.

The 71 Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) in fringe villages will assist forest officials by reporting wildlife movement and sharing intelligence on illegal activities. Three control rooms will function round the clock during the monsoon, supported by a communication network of 21 VHF stations and 112 wireless handsets.

The department said field staff covered 97,730 km through foot patrols during 2025-26, including 6,694 km in June and another 1,381 km in the first half of July.

To monitor the reservoir, three dedicated boat-patrolling teams have been deployed at Parbatitung, Chowrasimal and Badduma, with five motorboats equipped with life jackets, communication equipment and emergency supplies.

Anti-snare operations have also been intensified using four metal detectors and three live-wire detectors. Field staff have been directed to remain vigilant against poaching, timber smuggling, illegal camping, unauthorised picnicking and other wildlife offences throughout the monsoon season.