Sambalpur: After remaining out of bound for tourists for four months, Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary in Sambalpur district will reopen October 15, the forest department said.
The sanctuary was shut for tourists for four months during rainy season. After it reopens, tourists can avail tickets from the gate itself. Those who have booked tickets online will be able to spend nights in the sanctuary enjoying the wildlife, informed DFO (wildlife) T Sanat Kumar.
From this year, there is a new rule in place. Personal vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. “There are two safaris for the tourists to roam inside. Two more would be added, if required,” informed the forest department.
The sanctuary is presently home to 23 types of wild animals including leopard, fox, bear, bison, Indian civet, palm civet, porcupine, ape, wild dog and python.
The sanctuary is 60 kilometres from Sambalpur district headquarters and 40 kilometres from Bargarh. A commingle of deciduous forest, wildlife and Hirakud reservoir offer a perfect picture, enticing tourists to spend some more hours here.
The place has historical connections as well. It is believed that one of the noted freedom fighters of Western Odisha Veer Surendra Sai took shelter in the dense forest where the present sanctuary has come up to plan his strategy to fight back the then British rulers.
PNN