Chambal Gorge Forest Ecology in Bundi District

The Chambal river carves a spectacular gorge through Bundi district, flanked by steep cliffs of Vindhyan sandstone and dense riverine forest. This stretch of the Chambal is part of the National Chambal Sanctuary and supports important populations of gharial, mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otter, Indian skimmer, and Gangetic river dolphin. The forest on the gorge cliffs and plateau tops is dominated by dhak (Butea monosperma) whose brilliant orange flowers light the hillsides in February-March. Mahuar (Madhuca longifolia) trees in the valley bottom are tapped for their nutritious flowers, used in making traditional alcohol and sweet halwa by tribal families. The gorge ecosystem faces pressure from illegal quarrying for Bundi sandstone, encroachment of agricultural land into the buffer zone, and fishing beyond sustainable yields.