Odisha Inducts All-Women Team for Debrigarh Sanctuary Protection

By: WE staff | Monday, 29 December 2025

• Odisha’s government has formed an all-female team of five in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• It is the first time a completely female team has been deployed within the sanctuary
• The induction was further verified by the forest authority of the Hirakud division

The Odisha government has inducted a five-member woman team for the protection of the forest and the animals within the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, officials said on Saturday.

For the first time, the Odisha government has inducted the woman team into the force in the wildlife sanctuary. Among the new recruits, four belong to tribal communities residing in villages situated on the foothills of the wildlife sanctuary, DFO, Hirakud division, Anshu Pragyan Das said.

Since childhood, they have been spending their time roaming around the forests. They have witnessed the growing pressure of human population on the sanctuary, electrocution of animals because of the setting up of wires by the residents of the peripheral villages to safeguard the crops, and further the cross boundary trade of the wildlife animals between Odisha & Chhatisgarh, she added.

“The women have been selected for their commitment to the cause of wildlife and forest conservation, fearless nature, and desire to lead a meaningful life by working for nature,” Anshu said.

The five-member woman team is to join the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary on January 1 next, Anshu said. Member of the new team, Anjali Topno, said, “I am feeling really proud to be the new addition to the Debrigarh wildlife enforcement team.  Today, I have gained the status of becoming an earning member, and now, further, I can also look after my family. All shall look up at me with great joy, knowing that now, I am also working for the safeguarding of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and further, for the protection of this particular 'forest' to be enjoyed by our coming generations,” she added.

The decision to have the first woman team has actually materialized because of the huge strength of women working within the wildlife sanctuaries, P.K. Jha, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) said. This shall encourage the village people to safeguard the wildlife sanctuaries, Jha added.