By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:The Forest and Environment Department of the Odisha government has approved a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth about Rs 71.19 crore to develop Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an international ecotourism destination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed in ‘X’.
Shri Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and State Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia for this initiative. He said that this decision will help in promoting the natural beauty of Debrigarh at the international level and also help in wildlife conservation. This ecotourism project will give a big boost to local employment and tourism.
On the other hand, as per the notification, an additional fund of Rs 14.18 crore has been specifically directed to be provided for the construction of a fence around the perimeter of about 100 km of the sanctuary. It has been suggested that this amount be provided through CAMPA or other state government funds. The construction of this fence can reduce the conflict between wildlife and humans. The government has directed the concerned department to immediately take the next steps as per this DPR. This project will develop ecotourism infrastructure in Debrigarh, create employment opportunities for the local people and strengthen the protection of natural resources.
