Bargarh,Sept 17 [UDN}:: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the picturesque Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha and reviewed the immense tourism potential of the region. His visit focused on exploring ways to further develop Debrigarh as a major tourism destination while ensuring the conservation of its rich natural environment, biodiversity and wildlife.
During the visit, Pradhan took stock of the existing tourism infrastructure and discussed possibilities for improving facilities for visitors. A preliminary roadmap was prepared for the development of tourism infrastructure and promotion of Debrigarh as an attractive destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists from across the country.
Debrigarh, known for its scenic landscape, forests, wildlife and proximity to the Hirakud reservoir, has considerable potential for eco-tourism. The region offers opportunities for nature-based tourism, wildlife observation, trekking, boating and other activities that can provide visitors with a closer experience of Odisha’s natural heritage.
The Sambalpur MP stressed the need for planned and sustainable tourism development so that the economic benefits generated by tourism can reach local communities while the ecological character of the sanctuary remains protected. Development of basic amenities, better connectivity, visitor facilities, interpretation centres and improved tourist services were among the areas that received attention during the discussions.
Pradhan also highlighted the importance of involving local communities in tourism-related activities. According to the proposed approach, tourism development should create employment and livelihood opportunities for people living in and around the Debrigarh region, particularly through community-based and eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
The visit is being viewed as an important step towards giving a fresh push to tourism development in the Debrigarh area. With its combination of forests, wildlife, hills and the vast Hirakud water body, Debrigarh has the potential to emerge as one of western Odisha’s prominent eco-tourism destinations.
The proposed tourism roadmap is expected to focus on balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection. Authorities and stakeholders would need to ensure that any future tourism projects are implemented in a manner that does not adversely affect wildlife habitats or the fragile ecosystem of the sanctuary.
The initiative could also strengthen the tourism circuit connecting Debrigarh with other important destinations of western Odisha, thereby encouraging longer stays by visitors and generating greater economic activity in the region.
Pradhan’s visit has therefore generated renewed expectations among tourism stakeholders and local residents that Debrigarh will receive greater attention for planned tourism infrastructure and promotion. The proposed development strategy is aimed at transforming the sanctuary and its surrounding areas into a well-managed tourism destination while preserving the natural and ecological wealth for future generations.
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