Koraput: The district museum in Jeypore is a picture of neglect. It resembles more a haunted house with its dust-laden floors, cobwebs hanging from every nook and cranny than a home for artefacts.
Sources attributed its sorry state to irregularities and neglect by the authorities concerned who have failed to carry out necessary repairs to attract visitors.
Located on the Town Hall premises, the museum is a treasure-trove of tribal art, culture, handicrafts and Jain artefacts, but sighting visitors is a rare occurrence.
Hardly anyone knows if the museum exists. Even local residents have no idea about the museum as it has been neglected by the officials," said Priya Ranhan Panigrahi, an activist in Jeypore.
The foundation of the museum was laid in 1976 and in the four decades since, the authorities have done little to increase its collection.
It does not have regular staff members for the past nine years the museum doesn't have a regular staff after the peon retired. A contractual staff member is the sole caretaker of the museum on Rs 200 per day, excluding Sundays and holidays. But even he has not received his salary for the past six years.
"What is worrying is that many precious statues and artefacts are lying in a bad shape due to lack of care. The district cultural department, which is supposed to upgrade the museum and showcase its tribal art and culture, has done little in this regard," said Subash Das, an elderly Jeypore resident.
"Being a tribal-dominated district, it has a significant presence in showcasing Koraput's tribal art and culture. Many visitors come to the district to get an idea about tribal art and culture, but go back disappointed," he added.
Local residents have long demanded to shift the museum to a better locality inside the town to attract more visitors from its present isolated location.
District cultural officer Akshay Kumar Sethi admitted to the low turnout and deplorable condition. "Though there is no special package to upgrade the museum, a proposal to shift the museum to the town is under consideration to attract more visitors," he state.