Cuttack: Work will shortly start on the state government's plan to spruce up Madhusudan Sangrahalaya - a museum displaying articles and objects used by Madhusudan Das, the architect of modern Odisha.

The state archaeology wing's renovation plan for the museum involves improving its drainage system, refurbishing of the building structure and better lighting inside it.

On April 28, 2007, the culture department had opened the museum in one hall on the ground floor of a portion of Madhusmruti, once the home of Madhusudan Das, today part of Shailabala Women's College.

Articles associated with Das were displayed there.

The government then announced big plans to expand and convert Madhusmruti into a memorial museum. But 11 years later, the museum has not only not expanded, but facing apparent neglect.

Curator in charge J.P. Das said: "A development project is set to be undertaken at the museum." State archaeology officials said the government would spend Rs 19 lakh on the museum development project.

"The funds have been made available. The renovation work will start within a day or two," said Suvendu Prusty, junior engineer, state archaeology. "Our primary object is to first take care of water leakage into the museum hall during rain and strengthening of the walls. We will also improve the drainage system to prevent waterlogging in the premises," Prusty said. "The interior lightening system at the museum will also be perked up."

Das had occupied Madhusmruti three years after its construction in 1889. He lived there till his death in 1934. The building had two floors with 28 rooms and a big hall on each floor. The building was handed over to the government by Shailabala Das, the daughter of Madhusudan Das, in 1952 to run a college named after her. As the college was set up the same year, the articles used by the leader were shifted to two rooms on the first floor and locked up.