Journal of Indian Geomorphology Volume 3, 2015 ISSN 2320-0731 Indian Institute of Geomorphologists (IGI)

Fourth Prof S.R. Basu Memorial Lecture, 2015, delivered at the 27th National Conference of the Indian Institute of Geomorphologists (IGI) organised by the Vidyasagar University at Digha, during 14–17 November 2014

Vishwas S. Kale Department of Geography, S P Pune University, Pune-411007 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: India is a country with rich geo-wealth and geoheritage. Geo-wealth refers to all the abiotic elements (geological, geomorphological, hydrological, and pedological) of the landscape. Geological and geomorphological features occurring in different parts of the country are part of the natural assets and are precious national heritage (geoheritage), worthy of conservation. Apart from rock monuments and fossil parks, geomorphological wonders or geomorphosites have great potential to attract tourists. Such sites are also significant from the point of view of geoscience education and research. Geotourism with a focus on landscape and geology is growing rapidly all over the world and India is no exception to this. To promote geotourism in India, comprehensive information (geoinfographics) about geomorphosites should be made available to the tourists by way of websites. For this, first a peer-reviewed national inventory of geomorphosites and their classification, mapping and assessment is required. In this paper, a simple 10-digit geocoding system for four dozen potential geomorphosites in India is suggested. This coding could be used to establish a classification and the priority of geomorphosites. It is obvious that serious efforts are needed to protect the national geomorphological wonders for posterity.

Introduction fold belts and rifts, and characterised by some India is a country with outstanding, of the oldest land surfaces in the world, (c) the remarkable and rich geo-wealth. India has Himalaya Mountains, the highest, youngest about 2.1% of the Earth’s land surface area and tectonically most active mountain belt in and about 8% of the world’s biodiversity. The a collisional setting, (d) the vast alluvial country is rich with unparalleled geo-wealth landscape of the Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra and geodiversity due to – (a) large variety of Rivers occupying a large geological and rocks representing almost the entire spectrum sedimentary depression, (e) the Western of the geological timescale (>3.0 Gyr to (Sahyadri), the great escarpment of India Holocene), (b) the Indian Shield, a repository associated with the western passive margin, of economically valuable minerals, made up (f) the Deccan Traps, a large igneous of a number of Precambrian cratonic blocks, province, (g) nearly 7,500 km long coastline,

10 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 Geo-wealth Geoheritage

Geological Geomorphological Heritage Heritage Rocks, Minerals, Fossils, Faults,etc. Landforms, Landscapes, Hydrology, Soils

Geosites Geoparks Geomorphosites Geomorphoparks

Figure 1. Classification of geo-wealth (geoheritage) (h) the monsoon climate, (i) variety of value due to human perception or geomorphic processes (e.g. hillslope, fluvial, exploitation” (Panizza, 2001). Greater is the coastal, aeolian, glacial, etc.), and (j) presence number of physical elements in an area, the of all the major ecosystems of the world. greater is the geomorphic diversity or Geo-wealth is a descriptive term that refers geomorphodiversity (Panizza, 2009; Pellitero, to all the abiotic elements (geological, et al., 2011) geomorphological, hydrological, and pedological) of the landscape. As this geo- India’s World Heritage Sites and National wealth has been transmitted or inherited from Geological Monuments the past, it is described as geoheritage (Brocx Geotourism is defined as “a form of nature and Semeniuk, 2007). Geoheritage may be tourism that specifically focuses on landscape further classified as geological heritage and and geology” (Dowling, 2011). The subject of geomorphological heritage (Fig. 1). The geotourism is growing rapidly all over the former deals with the geological features world, and India is no exception to this. While (rocks, minerals, fossils, folds, faults, etc.), historical monuments, archaeological sites and the latter refers to the geomorphological and ancient temples are major drivers of features and elements (landforms, landscapes, tourism in India, attracting millions of tourists drainage network and soils). every year, the number of tourists visiting Geomorphological heritage includes sites or a national parks (Nanda Devi, Kaziranga, collection of sites, called geomorphological Sundarbans, Manas, Kanha, etc.), biosphere sites or geomorphosites, which are reserves (Nilgiri, Mannar, Similipal, Nokrek, geomorphological landforms or landscapes Pachmarhi, Kanchanjanga, Dehang Debang, “that have acquired a great scientific, cultural/ Dibru-Saikhowa, etc.), Ramsar sites (Wular, historical, aesthetic and/or social/economic Lokta, Chilka, Sambhar, Vembanad), as well

11 Table 1. UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in India world's cultural and natural heritage are Sr. No. Natural Properties inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage 1 Kaziranga National Park List. As of November 2014, India has 32 World Heritage Properties (Table 1). Of these, 2 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary seven are listed solely for their outstanding 3 Keoladeo National Park natural value and the remaining 25 are cultural 4 Sundarbans National Park properties (Fig. 2). In addition, a large number 5 Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers of cultural and natural properties from 6 Western Ghat different parts of India have been submitted 7 Great Himalayan National Park between 1998 and 2014 to the World Heritage Sr. No. Cultural Properties Committee for recognition. These 46 1 Agra Fort properties on the tentative (or waiting) list 2 Ajanta Caves include – the river island of Majuli in 3 Ellora Caves midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam, 4 Taj Mahal the Chilka Lake in Odisha, Desert National 5 Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram Park in Rajasthan, Kangchendzonga National 6 Konark - Sun Temple Park in Sikkim, and Narcondam Island in 7 Churches and Convents of Goa Andaman. 8 Fatehpur Sikri The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 9 Group of Monuments at Hampi has listed 3,683 ancient monuments and 10 Khajuraho Group of Monuments archaeological sites and remains as sites of 11 Elephanta Caves national importance. Three-fourth of the ASI’s 12 Great Living Chola Temples national heritage sites are located in eight 13 Group of Monuments at Pattadakal states of India, namely, Uttar Pradesh (742), 14 Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi Karnataka (506), Tamil Nadu (413), Madhya 15 Humayun's Tomb Pradesh (292), Maharashtra (285), Gujarat 16 Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (202), Delhi (174), and Rajasthan (163). 17 Mountain Railways of India To provide a unique spectrum of the 18 Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park national geoheritage and geodiversity, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared 19 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya some of the most fascinating and scientifically 20 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka significant geological features as National 21 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Geological Monuments (Table 2). These rock 22 Red Fort Complex, Delhi monuments, geological marvels and fossil 23 The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur parks (Fig. 2) provide an insight into the past 24 Hill Forts of Rajasthan environments and formations as well as the 25 Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) palaeo-flora and fauna of the subcontinent (Anantharamu et al. 2001), and are important as geoheritage sites (Ladakh, Lonar Crater, from the standpoint of tourism/recreation, Jog Falls, Varkala Beach, Mawsmai Cave, public education, and sustainable economic Borra Cave, Mt. Abu, Araku Valley, Nilgiri, development. Of the 26 National Geological Mahabaleshwar, etc.) is steadily increasing. Monuments in India, seven fossil sites have Places that provide best examples of the been declared as Geological Parks (Fig. 2).

12 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 Majority of the GSI’s monuments are are in fact distinctive or outstanding concentrated in Rajasthan (10) and three landforms, such as waterfalls, pothole- southern states, viz. Karnataka (4), Andhra studded channels, gorges, canyons, beaches, (3), and Tamil Nadu (3). natural arches, mesas, plateaux, escarpments, badlands, alluvial fans and cones, terraces, Geomorphological heritage sites in India inselbergs/bornhardts, sand dunes, karst caves In addition to the geological monuments with stalactites and stalagmites, etc. and fossil parks, general public is also Scientifically and educationally significant attracted to natural or “geomorphological geomorphological heritage sites include those wonders”. These geomorphological wonders with text-book features and landscapes. A few

13 Figure 3. Geomorphosites in India (After Kale, 2014b). Numbers correspond with IUCN geo-theme numbers given in Table 4 attempts have already been made to identify and several sub-provinces of India display a and list some of the potential geomorphosites large variety and complexity of landforms and / geomorphoheritage sites in India processes. The three main geomorphic (Ranganathan and Jayaram 2006; Raina and provinces of India are (Kale, 2014c) – the Srivastava 2008; Kale, 2009; Reddy 2013; Indian Peninsula (the Indian Shield), the Vaidyanadhan and Subbarao, 2014; Kale, Himalaya Mountains (the Orogenic Belt), and 2014a). Potential geomorphosites listed by the Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains (the Kale (2014b) are shown in Fig. 3. Foreland Basin). Each province consists of The three principal geomorphic provinces relief forms and associations of relief forms,

14 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 Table 2. GSI’s National Geological Monuments

Sr. No. Geosite Location 1 Marine Gondwana Fossil Park Manendragarh, Sarguja District, Chhattisgarh 2 Akal Fossil Wood Park, Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan 3 National Fossil Wood Park Tiruvakkarai, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu 4 National Fossil Wood Park Sattanur, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu 5 Siwalik Fossil Park Saketi, Sirmur District, Himachal Pradesh 6 Stromatolite Park Bhojunda, Chittaurgarh District, Rajasthan 7 Stromatolite Park Jhamarkotra, Udaipur District, Rajasthan 8 Peninsular Lalbagh, Bengaluru, Karnataka 9 Columnar Basaltic Lava Coconut Island (St. Mary’s Islands), Udupi District, Karnataka 10 Pillow Lava Maradihalli, Chitradurga District, Karnataka 11 Pillow Lava, Iron ore belt Nomira, Keonjhar District, Orissa 12 Pyroclastic Rocks Peddapalli, Kolar district, Karnataka 13 Nepheline Syenite Kishangarh, Ajmer District, Rajasthan 14 Mineralised zone Gossan, Rajpura-Dariba, Rajsamand District, Rajasthan 15 Barr Conglomerate Pali District, Rajasthan 16 Welded Tuff Jodhpur District, Rajasthan 17 Charonockite St. Thomas Mount, , Tamil Nadu 18 Cuddapah District, 19 Eddy Current Markings Panchmahal District, Gujarat 20 Eparchaean Unconformity hills, Andhra Pradesh 21 Jodhpur District, Rajasthan Suite Contact 22 Great Boundary Fault at Satur Bundi District, Rajasthan 23 Lonar Lake* Buldhana District, Maharashtra 24 Laterite in Angadipuram* Malappuram District, Kerala 25 Natural Arch in Tirumala hills* , Andhra Pradesh 26 Forms in Sendra Granite* Pali District, Rajasthan * Geomorphosites; Source: Anantharamu et al. (2001) which are scenic, spectacular as well as of different parts of the country. Some of the special interest to geoscientists and the noteworthy multi-national studies have dealt general public. It is, therefore, not surprising with the tectono-genic landforms, fluvio- to note that earth scientists from all over the glacial features, and lacustrine/speleothem world are undertaking scientific studies in records of the Himalaya and Ladakh, the

15 Table 3. Standard criteria used in geomorphosite assessment methods

Scientific value criteria Additional value criteria Management criteria rarity cultural accessibility representativeness ecological visibility integrity aesthetics vulnerability diversity scientific knowledge

(after Bruschi and Cendrero, 2005; Pereira and Pereira, 2010) lakes/playas and sand dunes of the Thar There are some landforms and landscapes that Desert, the Kosi megafan, the braided channel are very well recognised all over the world of the Brahmaputra River (India and because of their special geomorphic Bangladesh), the granitic and the duricrusted significance, geologic history, or a landforms of the Peninsular India, the Western combination of both, such as the Deccan Ghat Escarpment, and the Ganga- Traps Region, the Western Ghat Escarpment, Brahmaputra Delta. the Rann of Kachchh, the Lonar Crater, charnockitic/granitic landforms of the Indian (a) The Indian peninsula cratons, etc. This ancient landscape provides The Indian Peninsula has high potential for good examples for understanding the mode of geoscientific studies as well as geotourism. escarpment recession, deep weathering and The triangular-shaped peninsula is the oldest denudation, laterite formation, river captures, and the largest geomorphic province of India, badlands formation, inselberg and pediment and is made up of Archaean rocks and formation, bedrock channel processes, etc. Proterozoic fold belts. This fragment of the Popular tourist destinations in the Gondwanaland largely displays an erosional Peninsula, such as hill stations (hill resorts), landscape, which is not only visually hill forts, and ancient temples located in the appealing but also scientifically important. Western Ghat zone (including Nilgiri Hills) or The Peninsular landscape displays many its offshoots, provide breathtaking views of features inherited from the past (Cenozoic). the landscapes. Some of the top tourist By and large, bedrock landforms, rocky destinations are Mount Abu, Mahabaleshwar- channels and partially to deeply weathered Panchgani, Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, rocks dominate the scenery of this ancient Mainpat, Hazaribagh, Pachmarhi, Araku landmass. Valley, etc. The Peninsula has both specific geomorphosites of local and regional (b) The extra-peninsular region significance and key geomorphosites or The Himalaya Mountains have some extensive areas with international recognition. incredible and extraordinary landforms and Specific sites include waterfalls, gorges, landform assemblages due to high elevation, inselbergs/bornhardts, laterite-capped mesas, steep and unstable slopes, steep rainfall cuestas, badlands, calc tufas, karst caves, etc. gradient towards north and ongoing tectonic

16 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 movements. These tallest mountains in the (c) The Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra plains world extend over a length of nearly 2500 km This vast alluvial landscape created by the and consist of several parallel tectonic Indus, Ganga and the Brahmaputra (IGB) mountain chains, separated by thrust faults. Rivers and their tributaries lies to the south of The mountain building process, which started the Himalaya Mountains and provides classic about 55 Myr as a result of the collision of the examples of alluvial landforms on different Indian and Eurasian Plates, has given rise to scales. The IGB Plains are primarily four, almost parallel, morpho-tectonic zones composed of fan, floodplain, channel and namely the Siwaliks, the Lesser Himalaya, the deltaic deposits (Kale, 2014c). Greater Himalaya, and the Tethys Himalaya. Noteworthy landforms and features in this Each belt displays a distinct set of landforms landscape include floodplains, alluvial fans and scenery. (megafans), meandering and braided The spectacular rugged relief of the channels, river terraces, badlands, multiple Himalayan landscape is the result of ongoing palaeochannels, ox-bow lakes, etc. Even tectonic uplift, rapid valley incision, landslide though some of these geomorphosites may not erosion and glacial erosion (Kale, 2014c). be very appealing to the general public and Due to their location in the collisional setting tourists, they undoubtedly have high potential and ongoing tectonic movements, these for scientific studies as fascinating outdoor mountains are highly deformed and show laboratories for fluvial geomorphologists multiple evidence of tectonic deformation. interested in alluvial rivers. The mega-fans in Distinctive tectono-genic, fluvial and glacial particular have attracted greater attention from landforms include snow-covered jagged global geoscience community. Another peaks, alpine mountains, long glaciers, noteworthy feature in this geomorphic cirques and glacial valleys, moraines, deep province is the Chambal Badlands that gorges across anticlines, intermountain basins inspires awe amongst visitors. (duns), strath and fill terraces, drainage network anomalies, knickpoints, palaeolakes, (d) The Indian coastline landslides, etc. All these forms and features India has a coastline of around 7500 km, are significant to geoscience education and with varying rock types, structure, tidal range research. and wave energy. Representative and eye- As a result of the enormous catching coastal landforms form a significant geomorphodiversity in this mountainous part of the Indian geomorphosites and terrain, there are countless geomorphosites geomorphoheritage sites. Rocky landforms that are capable of providing opportunities for (sea cliffs and wave-cut platforms), geotourism and, thus, sustaining local and depositional features (beaches, sand dunes, state economies. Some of the most captivating bars, spits, mud flats, and mangrove swamps) landscapes in the Himalaya are observed in and coral landforms (reefs and atolls) are both the Kashmir Valley, Ladakh, Lahul-Spiti aesthetically significant and scientifically Valley, Chamoli, Garhwal and Sikkim important. Famous beaches, such as Mandvi, Himalaya. Some leading popular tourist Diu, Juhu, Diveagar, Ganpatipule, Calangute, destinations include Leh, Kullu-Manali, Colva, Gokarna, Kollam, Varkala, Marina, Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, Darjeeling, Ennore, Rushikonda, Yarada, Konark, Puri, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Tawang, etc. Digha, etc. attract thousands of tourists from

17 Table 4. Geo-coding of the parameters for classification of geomorphosites

India and abroad every year. miliolite around Diu, chain of brackish Other outstanding landforms that are of lagoons and lakes (kayals) of the Malabar interest to tourists and scientists alike include Coast, the coral islands of Lakshadweep, the the large saline marshland of the Rann of Chilka Lake and the Pulicat Lagoon on the Kachchh, cliffs and shore platforms in east coast, the Sundarbans tidal delta of West

18 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 Table 5. Some Indian examples of potential geomorphosites and their 10-digit geo-code and 2-digit postcode ( 19 ostcode ( sites and their 10-digit geo-code and 2-digit p geo-code and 2-digit theirand 10-digit sites Some Indian examples of potential geomorphoIndian of examples Some Table 5. Table

20 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 Table 5. Some Indian examples of potential geomorphosites and their 10-digit geo-code and 2-digit postcode (

Note: See Table 4 for explanation of geo-codes. * = after Kale (2014b); + = after Vaidyanadhan and Subbarao (2014); # = after Anantharamu et al. (2001); ! = after GSI (2012) 21 Bengal, and the Andaman-Nicobar Gaps in geomorphodiversity information Archipelago. The terms “geosite” and “geodiversity” are Scientifically and educationally significant being used by geologists and geomorphosites include modern features, such geomorphologists since 1990s (Sharples, as estuaries, deltas, mud flats, sand dunes, 2002; Gray 2004). Inventory covering key spits, bars, cliffs, shore platforms, stacks, geological and geomorphological sites and beaches, beach cusps, etc. and relict features landscapes has been prepared by many such as beach rocks, aeolianite and dead cliffs countries (European countries, USA and as well as raised beaches, wave-cut platforms, Australia, in particular). Although oyster beds, coral reefs and tidal deposits. All considerable work has been completed in these features are significant from the point of understanding India’s geodiversity in terms of view of absolute and relative changes in sea rocks, minerals and fossils by the Geological level. Survey of India (GSI) since its inception in 1851, there is considerable gap in the (e) The Thar desert and Ladakh knowledge of India’s geomorphodiversity. In The barren and desolate landscape of the spite of the fact that a few attempts have been arid regions generally inspires awe amongst made to identify key geomorphosites/ tourists. India has a hot desert (the Thar geomorphoheritage sites in India (Kale, Desert) as well as a cold desert (Ladakh). 2014a), there are strategic gaps in the These two different types of dryland regions information on India’s landforms, landscapes, have outstanding geomorphoheritage value rivers and soils. Till date there is no official because of their aesthetically appealing as national inventory of geomorphosites in India. well as scientifically significant Further, no attempt has been made to evaluate characteristics. In recent years some places, the quality of geomorphological heritage from such as Jaisalmer and Leh, are becoming very the point of view of geotourism, popular tourist destinations. geoconservation and management. The Thar Desert displays a landscape dominated by sand dunes of different types Geomorphosite assessment and and sizes, as well as erosional features created classification by the fluvial and aeolian processes. Parabolic The value of geomorphosites can be dunes, playas and ephemeral streams are the scientific/educational, intrinsic, cultural, key features of the Indian desert. aesthetic, economic and functional (Gray The cold-desert landscape of Ladakh 2004) as well as ecological (Reynard, 2005). displays features created by cryogenic Several classification and assessment methods weathering, rivers, glaciers, and aeolian and have been suggested and used since the term mass movement processes. The area also geomorphosites was introduced by Panizza provides number of opportunities to study (2001). The assessment methods are based on tectono-genic and structural landforms. Other multiple criteria – three of which are common, distinctive features include number of fans namely, scientific value, additional value, and (alluvial and debris-flow dominated), talus management criteria (Kubalíková, 2013) cones, fan belts (bajada), strath and alluvial (Table 3). terraces, moraines, sand dunes and remnants Panizza (2001) suggested assessment of of palaeolakes. the geomorphosites on the basis of scientific

22 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 criterion (as a model of geomorphological relative importance or status. Finally, the sum process or as an ecological support), of ranks/scores or weights or their mean value pertinence (world-wide to local), the degree is taken into consideration to determine the of preservation (well-preserved to poorly- overall importance, potential or value of the preserved), and the degree of damage (nil to site (or sites) under review. destroyed). Coratza and Giusti (2005) Ranking and scoring is a simple way to proposed a methodology to assess the manage multivariate datasets, especially when scientific quality of a geomorphosite in terms requisite data are lacking or difficult to of weighted mean, on the basis of seven generate. However, the classification and characteristics – value for the scientific assessment, based on scoring/ranking, involve research, educational value, areal extent, varying degree of subjectivity (Bruschi et al. rareness, integrity, exposure and added value. 2011). More often than not the results cannot Reynard et al. (2007) based their assessment be replicated. Further, the sum or mean value on five criteria – scientific value (integrity, of the scores, ranks or weights of multiple sets representativeness, paleogeographical value, of criteria for a geomorphosite do not provide and rareness), ecological value (ecological any idea about the type of landform/ impact and protected species), aesthetic value landscape, the associated geomorphic process (number of viewpoints, contrasts, vertical (or processes), tentative location, scientific development), cultural value (religious, importance, additional value, integrity, historical and artistic importance), and accessibility, etc. This is the severe limitation economic value (economic products). of all the methods of geomorphosite Pereira and Pereira (2010) suggested an assessment and classification proposed so far. assessment methodology for potential Therefore, a simple, 10-digit geo-coding geomorphosites based on three principal system for the geomorphosites of India is criteria – geomorphological intrinsic value proposed here (Table 4). This coding is used (scientific and other geomorphological to establish a classification and priority of values), potential use (accessibility, visibility geomorphosites, both in terms of geotourism and use of other natural or cultural values), promotion and management. The first digit (1 and need for protection (deterioration and to 3) represents the major geomorphic vulnerability). Bruschi et al. (2011) proposed province of India. The second digit (1 to 3) a parametric method based on three sets of stands for the rarity/abundance of the site. The criteria: intrinsic quality, potential for use and third digit (1 to 3) represents the scientific or protection needs. Hassan et al. (2012) used intrinsic value of the geomorphosite. The the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to additional value (touristic, cultural, ecological assess geosites using multiple attributes or economic) is denoted by the fourth digit (1 (climate, topography, geomorphic forms, to 4). The fifth and sixth digits (01 to 15) infrastructure, safety, distance, etc.). denote the geotheme number adopted by the All the above methods, involving multiple International Union for Conservation of criteria assessment and classification, are Nature (IUCN). The seventh digit (1 to 3) based on ranks, scores or weights assigned by indicates the accessibility. The integrity or the the researcher or experts. Values (between 0 state of preservation of the geomorphosite is and 1, or from 1 to 5, etc.) are assigned to each represented by the eighth digit (1 to 3), and of the criterion and attribute to reflect their the potential threat and management is

23 denoted by the ninth digit (1 to 3). The tenth explanation that are understood by the general digit (1 to 3) represents the degree of public. These traditional methods, however, geomorphodiversity (geomorphospot, have certain limitations. The information geomorpholocality, and geomorphopark, regarding geomorphosites cannot be accessed respectively). Following the definition of in real time. Therefore, geotourism will be ‘geoparks’ by Global Network of National best promoted by using web-based Google Geoparks (GGN) (UNESCO, 2006), a Maps. Comprehensive information about the geomorphopark has been defined here as “a geomorphological wonders should be made sufficiently large area comprising of a number available to the tourists by way of websites of geomorphological features of special before their visit. Now-a-days tourism scientific importance, rarity or beauty”. Table infographics are being used to promote 5 gives examples of four dozen potential tourism. geomorphosites in India and their 10-digit However, to promote geotourism in our geo-codes. Their approximate location of the country first a national inventory of site/area is indicated by the 2-digit postcode. geomorphosites / geomorphoheritage sites is required. It is obvious that in the development Geo tourism promotion of a peer-reviewed national inventory, In geotourism, geomorphological wonders different academic and professional (geomorphosites) are considered equivalent to organizations, research institutions and famous historical monuments (Taj Mahal, university departments should be involved. Konark Sun Temple, Khajuraho Temples, There is also a need for a body to setup, Mahabalipuram Monuments, Hampi maintain and regularly update the database. Monuments, etc.) and archaeological sites There is also a need to have simple and (Kalibangan, Lothal and Dholavira Harappan informative geomorphodiversity maps for sites; Bhimbetka rock shelters; Ajanta, Ellora different regions (national, state, site- and Elephanta caves, etc.). Therefore, specific). Systematic mapping of landforms is geotourism also places considerable emphasis required to achieve a national assessment of on providing comprehensive information to India’s landforms. Such maps will facilitate in the visitors, sightseers and local communities determining the outstanding geoheritage about the scientific aspects of a specific sites/areas in India. landform (its special characteristics, significance, age and genesis). Several Concluding remarks approaches have been adopted to promote The Indian region is endowed with geotourism (Dowling, 2011). Scientific extraordinary and rich geo-wealth. There are information about the landform/feature is countless fascinating and exquisite features, shared with the tourists through colourful landforms and landscapes in the sub-continent pamphlets, infographic brochures/posters and that have immense scientific, cultural, and educational handbooks, or by erecting socio-economic value. However, geological informative panels at the geomorphosites/ and geomorphological heritage is not geomorphoheritage sites or through museums sufficiently recognised in India. This is and thematic guided tours. The promotional evident from the fact that the GSI declared the material includes simple maps, colour list of National Geological Monuments only photographs, sketches and diagrams, and in 2001 (that is, 150 years after its inception)

24 JOURNAL OF INDIAN GEOMORPHOLOGY: VOLUME 3, 2015 and only seven natural properties from India Bruschi, V. M., Cendrero, A., and Albertos, J. A. C. are included in the list of World Heritage Sites (2011) A statistical approach to the validation in the last three decades (since 1983). Further, and optimization of geoheritage assessment not a single geopark from India appears in the procedures. Geoheritage, 3: 131–149. list of Global Geoparks Network (GGN), Coratza, P. and Giusti, C. (2005) Methodological proposal for the assessment of the scientific supported by UNESCO. Furthermore, till date quality of geomorphosites. Il Quaternario, there is no official national inventory of 18(1): 305–313. geomorphosites. It is obvious that not only Dowling, R. K. (2011) Geotourism’s Global geotourism has to be promoted in India but Growth. Geoheritage, 3(1): 1–13. also that the geo-wealth and geodiversity of Gray, M. (2004) Geodiversity: Valuing and Conserving our country has to be conserved and preserved Abiotic Nature. Wiley, Chichester, 434p. for posterity. Several institutions GSI (2012) Travel brochure on National /organisations such as the Geological Survey Geological Monuments of India: Region South. of India (GSI), the Geological Society of Geological Survey of India, , 12p. India, the Indian Institute of Hassan, S. S. Andrzej, K, and Einafshar, A (2012) A tourism demand based method of geosites Geomorphologists (IGI), etc. and the Ministry assessment on geotourism prioritization of Earth Sciences (MoES) as well as the modeling: The case of Razavi Khorasan university earth science departments have a Province. Journal of Hospitality Management key role to play in this overdue activity. A and Tourism, 3(5): 82–94. national geomorphosites inventory and a full Kale, V. S. (2009) DEM–based studies of some understanding of the scientific, cultural, outstanding fluvial landforms in India. In: aesthetic, economic, and ecological value of Sharma H.S. and Kale, V.S. (eds.) the geomorphological wonders are vital from Geomorphology of India. Prayag Pustak the standpoint of geotourism promotion and Bhavan, Allahabad: 59–68. conservation of India’s rich geoheritage. Kale, V. S. (ed)(2014a) Landscapes and Landforms of India, Springer, Dordrecht, 271 p. Acknowledgment Kale, V. S. (2014b) Geomorphosites and The author acknowledges the support provided Geoheritage Sites in India. In: Kale, V. S (ed). for this work by the S.P. Pune University under the Landscapes and Landforms of India, Springer, Departmental Research and Development Program Dordrecht: 247–267. (DRDP). Kale, V. S. (2014c) Geomorphic History and Landscapes of India. In: Kale, V. S (ed). References Landscapes and Landforms of India, Springer, Anantharamu, T.R., Bellur, D. and Bhasker, A. A. Dordrecht: 25–37. (2001) National Geological Monuments. Kubalíková, L. (2013) Geomorphosite assessment Geological Survey of India, Special for geotourism purposes. Czech Journal of Publication, 61(6): 98p. Tourism, 2(2): 80–104. Brocx, M. and Semeniuk, V. (2007) Geoheritage Panizza, M. (2001) Geomorphosites: concepts, and geoconservation – history, definition, scope methods and examples of geomorphological and scale. Journal of the Royal Society of survey. Chinese Science Bulletin (Suppl.), 46: Western Australia, 90: 53–87. 4–6. Bruschi, V. M. and Cendrero, A. (2005). Geosite Panizza, M. (2009) The Geomorphodiversity of Evaluation; Can we measure intangible values? the Dolomites (Italy): A key of Geoheritage Il Quaternario, 18(1): 293–306. Assessment. Geoheritage, 1(1): 33–42.

25 Pellitero, R, Ruiz–Flaño, P., Serrano, E. and . May 30–31, 2013, 94p. González–Amuchastegui M. J. (2011) Reynard, E. (2005) Géomorphosites et paysages. Geodiversity and geomorphosite assessment Géomorphologie: Relief, Processus, applied to a natural protected area: the Ebro and Environnement 1(3), 181–188. Rudron Gorges Natural Park (Spain). Reynard, E., Fontana, G., Kozlik, L., Capozza, C., Geoheritage, 3:163–174. Lausanne (2007) A method for assessing Pereira, P. and Pereira, D. (2010) Methodological scientific and additional values of guidelines for geomorphosite assessment. geomorphosites. Geographica Helvetica, Géomorphologie: Relief, Processus, 62(3):148–158. Environnement, 1(3): 215–222 Sharples, C. (2002) Concepts and Principles of Raina, V. K and Srivastava, D. (2008) Glacier Geoconservation. Tasmanian Parks and Atlas of India. Geological Society of India, Wildlife Service. , 315p. http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/geoconser Ranganathan, N. and Jayaram, S. (2006) vation.pdf (retrieved on 2013-11-01). Geomorphology of Karnataka. Karnataka UNESCO (2006) Global Geoparks Network. Geologists Association, Department of Mines Geoparks Secretariat, Global Earth and Geology, Bangalore. 350p. Observations Section, Division of Ecological Reddy, D. R. (ed)(2013) Proceedings of National and Earth Sciences, UNESCO, Paris Workshop and Brainstorming Session on Vaidyanadhan, R. and Subbarao, K. V. (2014). Geoheritage: Need for an Indian Activism. Landforms of India from topomaps and images. Department of Geology, Andhra University, Geological Society of India, Bangalore: 135p.

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