Baripada: The century-old local museum has become a victim of government apathy as it remains locked most of the time in the absence of staff.
Locals alleged the museum, home to several artefacts retrieved from various parts of the state, has remained neglected over the years.
According to reports, erstwhile Mayurbhanj Maharaja Sriramchandra Bhanjadeo had set up the museum in 1903. Initially, it functioned from the Jubilee Library in the heart of the town with a repository of many artefacts, images and items. After the government took over it, the museum was shifted to the office of the district culture department.
The erstwhile king, an ardent lover of art, culture and literature, had set up the museum with an aim that people from other parts of the country and abroad visiting the district will have an insight into the culture, heritage, customs, literature and multifarious colourful lifestyle of tribals.
Among the rare artefacts and things preserved in the museum are a cannon of the 17th century, many stone inscriptions and a Buddha idol of the 11th century.
Locals alleged over the years, there has been no facelift for the museum. They observed that if no step is taken for its development, it will soon fade into oblivion.
Official sources said not a single staff has been working in the museum since 2012. It is managed by a few staff of the district library. Sadly, tourists have no chances of seeing the museum, as it remains locked most of the time.
Locals accused the culture department of doing nothing for its development. Regrettably, International Museum Day is not observed here every year.
District culture officer Tanuja Sirka, however, claimed that tourist footfall at the museum is increasing.
Locals urged the state government to pay attention to the museum’s development. PNN
