SANGLI

The eastern part of Sangli district falls under the rain shadow region, with more than 75 per cent of the land covered by forests. Many residents rely on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood. Jat Tehsil has the highest share of forested land in the district. In these drought-prone areas, people raise goats, sheep, cows, and buffaloes as a major source of income. Locals say that livestock rearing is essential for their survival, especially in years when farming is affected by low rainfall.

Sangli district has several veterinary hospitals and clinics that provide medical care for both livestock and pets. While government-run veterinary hospitals offer essential services, many farmers and pet owners prefer private clinics due to better accessibility and facilities.

Some veterinary hospitals and clinics in the district include:

• District Veterinary Hospital, Awar, located in Miraj
• Veterinary Hospital, Dighanchi, situated in Atpadi
• Veterinary Hospital, Malwadi, located in Palus
• Bhole's Animal Hospital and Pet Spa, Sangli Miraj, Kupwad
• Magdum Pets, Sankalp Gokuldham Complex
• Jai Gurudev Pet Clinic, Moti Chowk

Among the prominent markets, Kharsundi Market is particularly noteworthy for its annual fair, which highlights cattle trading, especially of the esteemed Khilar breed. This event draws buyers from various regions, establishing it as a significant venue for livestock exchanges.

Similarly, Kargani Market is a popular spot for cattle trading, especially during local fairs when farmers come together to buy and sell livestock. Another important livestock centre is the Jath Market, which has gained a reputation for its trade in cattle and other livestock.

According to the Sangli District Gazetteer of 1969, the district exhibited a diverse range of physical features, including plains, plateaus, and hill ranges. The Western Ghats formed the district’s western boundary, extending into several spurs. The high-altitude areas received an average rainfall of 1,397 mm (55 inches), leading to the formation of numerous streams and rivers. At the time, the district had eight rivers, Nanni, Ghod, Kerda, Krishna, Yerla, Manganga, Bori, and Agrani, which provided suitable conditions for aquatic life. Among these, the Krishna and Yerla were considered the most significant, while others tended to dry up by late summer. Fish populations thrived in the perennial pools of larger rivers and in the seasonal streams formed by earthen bunds. Additionally, several tanks and ponds were distributed across the district.

The development of fisheries in Sangli was limited due to the scarcity of large perennial water bodies such as reservoirs and irrigation tanks. However, pisciculture had been introduced in four tanks—Ganpati at Miraj, Fakir and Yamai at Islampur, and an irrigation reservoir at Rethre Haranaksh. The fishing community consisted of groups such as the Bhoi, Bagadi, Koli, and Muslim communities, many of whom depended on fishing as their primary occupation. Some families practised seasonal migration to areas near reservoirs.

The freshwater ecosystems of Sangli supported a variety of fish species with cultural, economic, and ecological importance. The Mastacembelus armatus (Vam), which could grow up to 2 feet long, was commonly caught using hooks due to its preference for rocky currents. The Anguilla anguilla (Aheer), reaching up to 4 feet, was valued for its nutritional benefits. Other significant species included the Oxygaster clupeoids (Vadshi) and Oxygaster phulo (Alkut), which were important for both fishermen and consumers due to their diet of plankton and insect larvae.

Several species from the Cyprinidae family, such as the Puntius tor (Mahaseer) and Puntius sarana (Khavli), were popular as food and among anglers. The Mahaseer could grow as large as 40 lbs. Introduced species like Labeo calbasu (Kanas) and Labeo rohita (Rohu) were noted for improving fishery yields, with Rohu and Catla catla growing up to 20 kg.

Among carnivorous species, Wallago attu (Valshivda or freshwater shark) could grow up to 6 feet and was highly regarded for its taste. Smaller species such as Lepidocephachthys thermatic (Mori) and Botia striata (Waghmasa) were believed to have medicinal properties. The Bagarius bagarius (Khirit), a large blind fish, and the Schizothoracinae, known for having two mouths, contributed to the district’s aquatic biodiversity.

Some introduced species, like Osphronemus goramy (Gorami), thrived in confined waters and were suitable for aquaculture due to their herbivorous diet. The Ambassis ronga (Kachki), or Glass fish, was popular in aquariums, while Chana marulius (Murrel), despite its snake-like appearance, was a sought-after food fish. From the tiny Kachki to the large Valshivda, these fish species supported local livelihoods and enriched the biodiversity of Sangli’s freshwater systems.