Jawai Dam

Jawai Bandh is a dam across the Jawai River, a tributary of the Luni, near Sumerpur town in Pali district. Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur had it built: the idea dates from 1903, after the river's monsoon floods caused heavy damage in Pali and Jalore, work began on 12 May 1946 and the dam was finished in 1957, though a planned hydel scheme was dropped. Described as western Rajasthan's largest man-made dam, it covers about 13 square kilometres, is fed by the Sei and Kalibor dams and is the main water source for Pali district. Its water has long been disputed, and Jalore farmers have staged a prolonged sit-in for a fairer share.

Jawai is reputed to be among Rajasthan's best spots for seeing leopards and for birdwatching. Many migratory species arrive in winter, and the reservoir also holds a large population of crocodiles, counted at 377 in 2020.