Evaluation of springs and waterfalls as Geomorphosites and proposition of strategies to develop Geotourism at Ajodhya hill, Puruliya district, Eastern India

Abstract

Ajodhya hill is an extended part of Chota Nagpur Granite Gneissic Complex located in Puruliya district, western part of West Bengal, Eastern India. This uplifted plateau is primarily composed of Archean granite and gneissic rock with the sharp break at the plateau fringe. Ground water comes out as spring through the fractures of the granitic rock base situated beneath the permeable red soil. Waterfalls are prominent along the steep slope of the plateau fringe. Thirteen springs and four waterfalls have been identified as important Geomorphosites to analyse their Geotourism potential of Ajodhya hill in response to its geologic and geomorphic background. SWOT analysis has been used for estimating the Geotourism potentialities of Ajodhya hill. To analyse the potentiality, weight and score has been given under each factors and weighted score has been calculated. Few strategies have been suggested for enriching the Geotourism potential of the region with the help of TOWS matrix. Prioritization of the strategies has been ascertained by QSPM (quantitative strategies planning matrix) method through which the Ranking of Total Attractiveness Score (RTAS) has been estimated.