Indian Bison Fest 2026 at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary | 10 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The 2nd edition of the Indian Bison Fest was organised at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha.  

Key Points: 

• Festival: The Indian Bison Fest was held in March 2026 at Zeropoint inside Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and was organised by the Hirakud Wildlife Division to highlight conservation efforts for the Indian bison (gaur). 
• Eco-Tourism Initiatives: The second edition introduced activities such as guided gaur safari, night camping, trekking and stargazing, offering participants an immersive wildlife experience. 
• Gaur Conservation: The sanctuary has emerged as an important habitat for the Indian bison (gaur), the largest living wild bovine species.  
  • A recent census recorded about 848 gaurs in the Debrigarh–Hirakud landscape, indicating a growing population and successful conservation efforts. 
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable 
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest level of protection) 
  • CITES: Appendix I  
• Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: 
  • Located in Bargarh district of Odisha, near the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River. 
  • Covers about 346 sq km and hosts rich biodiversity including over 40 mammal species and more than 200 bird species. 
• Significance: The festival promotes wildlife conservation awareness, community participation and eco-tourism, while strengthening Debrigarh’s role as a major conservation landscape for the Indian bison in eastern India.