The Odisha State Maritime Museum, showcasing the rich maritime history and traditions of the State, will be opened to the public on Monday. But there is more in the offing. Besides projecting the maritime practices and traditions, vessels and artifacts, glory and achievements from the ancient age to the colonial era and beyond, the museum is also set to include an aquarium showcasing unique marine life and species found in this part of the globe.

The 1500 sq ft aquarium will comprise 11 exhibits housing different species of the marine life along with the biology of the rivers in Odisha and the Bay of Bengal. The focus would be on bringing out the distinctive features of Odisha in terms of marine ecology. It would showcase species exclusive to this region as well as the rare life forms.

“The aquarium would be constructed at a cost of ` two crore and would be ready in six months. The museum will be one-of-its-kind in the country,” said Executive Engineer, Mahanadi South Division, Subrat Das.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will lay the foundation for the project while inaugurating the Museum on Monday.

The museum is the restored version of the Maritime Engineering Workshop established by the British in 1869. With the largest river of the State, Mahanadi, passing by and Taladanda canal being built to establish connectivity with the hinterlands, Cuttack was the Capital of maritime and military activities during the Colonial era.

The workshop had been set up for building, repair and maintenance of the vessels. Its  mandate was to ensure smooth operations on the waterways that were major channels of communication then.

The museum will open with 11 galleries  comprising introduction, maritime history, boat building, maritime rituals and tradition, navigation, monuments on Odisha coast, boat display shed and a repairing jetty. The Jobra workshop would have a special gallery of its own.

“All the aspects would be displayed with life-size models, paintings and illustrations. Original artifacts and articles connected with maritime activities during different periods would be on display. There would be continuous efforts to collect such articles and add to the exhibits,” Das said.

To make the establishment more alluring to the younger generation and children, particularly, a multimedia interpretation centre and a children’s activity room has bee added.

A library with more than 1000 books and journals and more to come has been included for the more serious visitors like researchers.

“The museum includes an art gallery, which would be let out for exhibitions on a regular basis. This will not only result in larger public interface but also generate revenue for the institution,” Das added.

Source:http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/article1525575.ece