Bhubaneswar: Debrigarh The wildlife sanctuary is all set to start the cruise from the first week of August Hirakudo Reservoir located close to the sanctuary to attract more tourists. It will be run on an eco-tourism site involving members of the local community.
Forest Officials said the cruise would be part of a package that would include bird watching and wildlife viewing. Known for its better appearance, Debrigarh has a record of wild animals descending from the forest to the reservoir to drink water. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the animals during the journey.
Divisional Forest Officer (Hirakund Division) Anshu Pragyan Daso Said that a batch of eight tourists would be given one hour for a cruise through the reservoir. “We are training local community members to be a part of the cruise programme. Ecotourism sites are being managed by the communities as they are the ones who take advantage and help in the conservation of the forest. The cruise will be a guided event,” she said.
Another fascinating project that is planned to attract tourists is the island of Odyssey. “There are three islands within the Hirakud reservoir, each with its own uniqueness. The sanctuary authorities want to harness the potential of three islands for the first time – Bats Island, Sunset Island and Cattle Island”.
The forest official said there would be a special cruise to visit the islands as a cruise would last for four hours. Eco-tourists will be able to see the bats from a distance without disturbing them. They will also be accompanied by trained eco-guides. The forest official said that at Sunset Island, tourists can watch the sunset in the west and the moon rising in the east.
The animals are frequently sighted in the core area spread over about 200 sq km in the inner parts of the sanctuary. route between route Dhodrokusum to Chaurasimal Identified as a bison route, the Dhodrokusum to Damki Ghati is known for the presence of other types of herbivores such as boar, spotted deer and sambar. Leopards are seen on the way from Lakhanpur to Badduma.
Forest Officials said the cruise would be part of a package that would include bird watching and wildlife viewing. Known for its better appearance, Debrigarh has a record of wild animals descending from the forest to the reservoir to drink water. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the animals during the journey.
Divisional Forest Officer (Hirakund Division) Anshu Pragyan Daso Said that a batch of eight tourists would be given one hour for a cruise through the reservoir. “We are training local community members to be a part of the cruise programme. Ecotourism sites are being managed by the communities as they are the ones who take advantage and help in the conservation of the forest. The cruise will be a guided event,” she said.
Another fascinating project that is planned to attract tourists is the island of Odyssey. “There are three islands within the Hirakud reservoir, each with its own uniqueness. The sanctuary authorities want to harness the potential of three islands for the first time – Bats Island, Sunset Island and Cattle Island”.
The forest official said there would be a special cruise to visit the islands as a cruise would last for four hours. Eco-tourists will be able to see the bats from a distance without disturbing them. They will also be accompanied by trained eco-guides. The forest official said that at Sunset Island, tourists can watch the sunset in the west and the moon rising in the east.
The animals are frequently sighted in the core area spread over about 200 sq km in the inner parts of the sanctuary. route between route Dhodrokusum to Chaurasimal Identified as a bison route, the Dhodrokusum to Damki Ghati is known for the presence of other types of herbivores such as boar, spotted deer and sambar. Leopards are seen on the way from Lakhanpur to Badduma.
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