Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Becomes India's Premier Tiger Destination

In a groundbreaking move, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in India has undergone a radical transformation, creating a vibrant new home for the country's thriving tiger population. Over the past few years, the sanctuary has voluntarily relocated more than 400 families living in rural villages, providing them with compensation to start anew. This bold decision, facilitated through dozens of community meetings, has had an immediate impact, with a Bengal tiger from a neighboring province now taking up residence.

With the human settlements removed, the sanctuary is now poised to become a premier ecotourism destination. Debrigarh is the only dark-sky sanctuary of its kind, offering unparalleled views of the night sky for astronomy enthusiasts. Trail cameras have been set up to monitor the wildlife, and there are strict regulations in place to ensure the sanctuary's sustainability, including a ban on single-use plastics and water quality controls.

The revival of tigers in India is a testament to the power of local action. With high prey density and no human encroachment, the tigers now have all the material conditions needed to create a sustainable population. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in safeguarding the entire ecosystem. In 2025, the sanctuary welcomed around 85,000 visitors, and officials are hopeful that number could top 1 million in the future, providing new economic opportunities for the area.