Bhubaneswar, Jan 5: Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has announced that two Royal Bengal Tigers will soon be translocated to the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargarh district, marking a major step towards reviving the big cat population in western Odisha.

The Minister said the state government is working in close coordination with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to ensure the smooth and scientific execution of the translocation process. Emphasising the importance of public participation, he noted that discussions are underway with local communities to seek their cooperation and address concerns related to safety and livelihood.

Debrigarh has recently been upgraded to tiger reserve status with NTCA approval and is set to become Odisha’s third tiger reserve, after Similipal and Satkosia, significantly strengthening the state’s wildlife conservation framework.

Referring to ongoing conservation efforts, Khuntia recalled that two tigresses, Yamuna and Zeenat (Jinat), were earlier brought from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to Similipal. While breeding success has not yet been achieved, the Minister said sustained efforts are continuing.

Both tigresses are being closely monitored using GPS collars and camera traps, ensuring round-the-clock tracking of their movement, health, and behaviour as part of Odisha’s long-term tiger conservation strategy.

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