Kali Sindh River Ecology in Jhalawar

The Kali Sindh river, originating in Madhya Pradesh and flowing through Jhalawar district before joining the Chambal, is one of Rajasthan's ecologically significant river systems. The river's relatively reliable flow, fed by Malwa plateau rainfall, supports a rich freshwater biodiversity including marsh crocodile, Indian soft-shelled turtle, and large populations of mahseer fish (Tor tor), prized by anglers and fisherfolk. Traditional fishing communities (Dheemar and Keer) along the Kali Sindh use handwoven nets, bamboo fish traps, and hook-and-line methods, observing customary restrictions on fishing in sacred pools (suraj kund) near temples. The Kali Sindh Thermal Power Station upstream has altered flow regimes, but the river retains significant ecological value. Jhalawar's farmers use Kali Sindh canal irrigation for rabi wheat and kharif soybean cultivation.