A gallery at the maritime museum (left) in Jobra. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Dec. 4: Jobra Maritime Museum authorities have mooted a proposal for installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras for better surveillance of the complex.

The move has been initiated in the wake of increasing footfall at the museum. Over 50,000 visitors have already visited the place, which is gradually emerging as a tourist hot spot since its inauguration in April this year. The cameras would monitor activities of visitors and museum staff besides keeping an eye on possible unlawful activities and incidents of thefts.

Sources said the officials are planning to install at least 16 CCTV cameras at different locations such as galleries where rare and antique navigational tools, instruments and other artefacts have been kept.

Indian National Trust for Art and Culture (Intach) has collected bulk of the navigational tools exhibited at the museum from various parts of the country and world. It had earlier carried out restoration of the British era Jobra workshop that was subsequently converted into a maritime museum.

Surveillance cameras would also be installed at the entry and exit points, lawns and other prominent areas on the museum campus.

“CCTV cameras have become an important tool to keep round-the-clock vigil and will also help the authorities put a check on incidents of any harassment of visitors at the museum,” said Girish Nanda, a visitor from Bhubaneswar.

Apart from CCTV cameras, there is also a proposal for installation of advance fire fighting equipment at the museum. Officials said that adequate number of fire extinguishers would also be installed while museum staff would also be trained to use the advance equipment in case of fire.

“We have requested the Odisha Construction Company to provide the required CCTV cameras which is expected to be installed by the end of this year, while advanced fire fighting equipment will be installed by January,” said director of Jobra Maritime Museum Basudev Mohapatra.

The estimated cost of the cameras and fire fighting equipment is being worked out.

Mohapatra said the maritime museum has been successful in showcasing the rich maritime history of Odisha and the country in its 10 special galleries. A visitor can have the glimpse of the various tools, machines, boats that were earlier used at the workshop gallery, maritime history gallery and boat building gallery.

Besides, there is a dedicated gallery on the ancient maritime rituals that were performed by sadhabas (sailors) before they used to take a voyage to Bali, Java and Sumatra from the state.