Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary comprises of Lohara & Debrigarh Reserved Forests of famous Barapahad hills of Bargarh District. This sanctuary is not only famous for the sylvan beauty with magnificent waterfalls but is also very rich in wildlife. The dry deciduous forests with varied flora and fauna attract the tourists of Orissa and neighbouring states.

The Sanctuary comprises two wildlife ranges namely,Kamgaon and Lakhanpur.

LOCATION
It is located in Bargarh district and easily approachable from Sambalpur and Burla.

Latitude-21° 28' to 21° 43' North
Longitude- 83° 30' to 83° 46' East.
Area: 346.91sq.Km
Notification No: 2409/FFAH/ dated 8.02.1985.

There is no revenue village inside Debrigarh sanctuary but there are four forest villages such as Debrigarh, Jhagadabehera, Lambipalli and Mundakati.

View of Chourasimal in Summer

The famous Hirakud reservoir adjoining the sanctuary not only provides scenic beauty but also meet the water requirement of wild animals during acute summer. The beauty of the sanctuary is further enhanced by hundreds of migratory birds during winter.

CLIMATE
Annual rainfall: 1340mm

Winter temp, is approximately 10° C;in Summer Temp, rises above 45° C

Biodiversity

FLORA
Debrigarh Sanctuary consists of mixed vegetation such as Bija, Sal, Sisoo, Bandhan, Mahul, Dhaura,Karada, Harda, Ainla, Bahada, Domkurdu, etc. Salia bamboo is scattered through out the sanctuary.There is plenty of grass lands inside the sanctuary.

Bison or Gaur

FAUNA
The major wildlife includes Tiger, Leopard, Gaur,Sambar, Spotted Deer, Four horned antelope, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Langur, Percupine, Malabar giant squirrel, Common Civet, etc. Among Avifauna,Peafowl, Blue jay, Jungle crow, Spur fowl, varieties of eagle, and Owls, etc. Migratory birds such as Great crested grebe, Brahminy duck, Pintail, Shoveller,
Godwal, Tufted pochard and several other water ducks are seen during winter.

MODE OF APPROACH
Dhadrokusum is the main entry point of the sanctuary. It is situated at a distance of 40km. From Sambalpur and 55km. Bargarh.

IDEAL TIME FOR VISIT

October to May.

Four Horned Antelope or Chousingha

ACCOMMODATION

1. Forest cottage at Dhadrokusum - 2 suites
2. Forest cottage at Chourasimal - 2 suites
3. Forest Rest House at Dechuan - 2 suites

Beside the above, several Govt. and private accommodations are available at Sambalpur, Bargarh and Burla.

GUIDE
Forest staff on duty.

FOOD AVAILABILITY
All F.R.Hs/ watch towers have crockery, cutlery and utensils. The Choukidar can cook simple meals if provisions are carried and supplied to him. There is no catering facility inside. Provisions are available atlocalvillages.Consumption of meat and liquor is not allowed inside the sanctuary.

Tiger

COMMUNICATION
A wireless communication system covering all important points within and around the sanctuary has been established. During emergency this communication network will usually be available to multi-day trekkers through the established base stations. At present the VHF Base Stations of the communication network in Debrigarh are located at places like Sambardhara, Lakhanpur,Chourishimal.

CONVENIENT APPROACH
The Sanctuary entry point at Dhudurkusum adjoining Hirakud Reservoir is approximately 35 km from Burla town and about 50 km from Sambalpur.

ECOTOURISM TRACKS
Sambalpur-Hirakud-Burla- Dhodrukusum-Chourasimal-Dechua-back.

Migratory Waterfowl

CONTACTS
Divisional Forest Officer,Hirakud Wildlife Division, Motijharan Po- & District: Sambalpur-768001 (Orissa)Ph. (0663) 2402741 (O/Fax), 2402729(R).

Forest Range Officer
Lakhanpur Wildlife Range at Lakhanpur
Ph. (06646) 264241

Forest Range Officer
Kamgaon Wildlife Range at Dhodrokusum.

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