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Odisha Sanctuary Poised for Gaur National Park Status
14 Jul
Summary
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary may soon become a national park.
- The sanctuary boasts a robust Indian gaur population of 848.
- Proposed park status follows successful human settlement relocation.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargarh, Odisha, is anticipated to receive national park status, potentially becoming Debrigarh-gaur National Park. This proposal is awaiting central government approval following technical discussions. The sanctuary is distinguished by its thriving population of Indian gaur, currently numbering 848, which has seen a substantial increase in recent years. This growth is attributed to enhanced protection measures, effective grassland management, and the successful relocation of villages from within its boundaries.
The area proposed for the national park spans 290.65 square kilometers and is completely free from human settlement, habitation, villages, or encroachments as of 2022. All associated rights and claims were settled through gram sabhas in 2021-22. The overall wildlife sanctuary area covers 353 square kilometers, including its tourism zone.
Experts note that Debrigarh exhibits the highest density of gaurs in Odisha and has the capacity for translocating these animals to other sanctuaries. The current gaur population is breeding well, with a healthy female-calf ratio. Wildlife officials have observed a consistent increase, with 189 gaurs recorded between November 2024 and December 2025 alone. This robust population is considered vital for the ecosystem, serving as a primary prey for carnivores like tigers and leopards.
