Amid bid to get UNESCO tag, Gujarat's dinosaur park a picture of neglect

Last Updated29/10/2024

The first thing that catches the eye at the iconic Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum in the village Raiyoli in Gujarat’s Balasinor taluka are the overgrown bushes.

The Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum in Raiyoli, Balasinor, Gujarat, an area renowned for its rich prehistoric heritage, faces several challenges that hinder its preservation and visitor experience. Once intended to be a major tourist destination and recently proposed for UNESCO’s geo-heritage list, the site is grappling with overgrown vegetation, poor upkeep, and competing developmental projects.

Neglect and Accessibility Issues: The park’s paths are overrun with two-foot-high bushes, making it difficult to access exhibits and raising safety concerns. Visitors often face these obstructions, and the condition of the park reflects poor maintenance, especially concerning for a site of historical and scientific significance.
Threat from Nearby Irrigation Project: Experts warn that a Lift Irrigation Pipeline Project, only 100 meters from the fossil park’s boundary, could disrupt the site and possibly damage unexcavated fossils. Although seen as essential for regional water supply, it highlights the tension between conservation and development.
Museum Infrastructure Problems: The nearby museum complex, despite its high-tech facilities like 3D mapping and a 5D theatre, suffers from frequent power outages, non-functioning displays, and waterlogging. These issues persist due to alleged “structural faults” and irregular payments to the maintenance company, VAMA Communications.

Conservation and Promotion: Authorities have taken steps to enhance the park’s visibility, including a recent Geological Survey of India inspection to help pitch for UNESCO recognition. The Gujarat tourism department has plans to allow tourists to view fossil excavation areas but faces regulatory restrictions as the park is located on reserved forest land.
Community Engagement and Education: The site, a source of local employment and a frequent educational spot for visitors, draws around 2,500 visitors monthly, with spikes during festivals. Local conservation efforts are championed by Aaliya Sultana Babi, the "Dinosaur Princess," who works to preserve and educate people about the area’s history.
This UNESCO geo-heritage nomination offers a vital opportunity to elevate the Dinosaur Fossil Park’s profile, drawing necessary support for its upkeep. With better infrastructure, regulation, and conservation efforts, Raiyoli could become an exceptional educational and cultural site, preserving its unique prehistoric heritage for future generations.