State museums still await CCTV cameras

How safe are historical artefacts in our state? Against the background of a burglary at poet Kuvempu's memorial at Kuppalli in Shivamogga district, TOI looks at the security systems in some of the prominent museums in the state Despite theft, govt turns a Nelson's eye.

GANGUBAI HANGAL MUSEUM, HUBBALLI

After the burglary at Kuvempu memorial, the family of Hin dustani exponent Gangubai Hangal is now a worried lot. For, the family, which maintains the museum at Ganga Lahari, house of Gangubai in Deshapandenagar, says it is struggling to ensure the safety of the artefacts there. There is no security guard, or any other protection from miscreants.

"A rare instrument was stolen from the museum two years ago.If any article is stolen from this museum, we will close this because we are not getting any support from the government," said Manoj Hangal, grandson of Gan gubai Hangal who has been taking care of this museum for 10 years.

Manoj said, "I have written to all deputy commissioners of Dharwad in the past few years, seeking at least 4,000 sqft land on the Gurukul premises to run the museum, but the district administration has not taken any steps. The district administration is not bothered about protecting the rare instruments and articles here."

He further said, "As we don't have any financial support, we have employed two lady women to take care of the museum. But that's not enough for the protection of the museum."

Just an unarmed watchman who is not sure what he's guarding

BENDRE BHAVAN, DHARWAD

There is no CCTV cam era at Bendre Bhavan, located in the residential compound of Jnanpith awardee Da Ra Bendre in Sadhanakeri of Dharwad.Only one watchman guards the entire compound at night.The watchman has not been provided with any weapons and is paid just Rs 6,000 per month by the Dr Da Ra Bendre National Memorial Trust which functions with the help of annual grants from the state government.

The Bendre Bhavan has all the books authored by Da Ra Bendre, the awards and mementos conferred on the poet, rare photographs and the articles used by Bendre.

Shymasundar Bidarkundi, chairman of the trust said the department of Kannada and Culture has been indifferent to their pleas for improving the facilities at the Bendre Bhavan. "There is need to strengthen the security at Bendre Bhavan. The person guarding should understand the cultural importance of the artefacts and the need to preserve and protect them. As of now, the security arrangements are not very strong," he said.

In private hands following burglary

SRI JAYACHAMARAJENDRA ART GALLERY, MYSURU

Some of the prized posses sion of the Mysuru royal family, including works of Raja Ravi Var ma, is tucked away at Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery located in Jagan Mohan Palace.

Security measures at the museum, owned by Mysuru royal family, were strengthened following a theft of painting of Jesus Christ in 2009. A staff claimed CCTVs and private security guards have been hired to provide safety and two persons are posted on first floor where Raja Ravi Verma's paintings are on display. Devaraja cops say, "Museum authorities have made their own security arrangements and we haven't provided any police security."

Four-member team ensures 24-hr safety

SEEMANTHI BAI MEMORIAL GOVERNMENT MUSEUM MANGALURU

The only government museum in Mangaluru district, the Seemanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum located at Bejai in the city , is one of the best preserved museums in the state.

Though it does not have CCTVs there are four security personnel who guard the precincts day and night. "While two are on guard during the day, the other two will be on night duty. The field officer ensures there is no gap during shift change," said a source in the museum. Museum authorities requisition for CCTV cameras were sent to the department of archaeology , museums and heritage, Mysuru, about a year ago, but they have not received any positive reply.

No high-tech matrix, only a manual show

VISVESVARAYA INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM BENGALURU

The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum construct ed in 1965 is more of a science centre than a museum.

"There are around 30 unarmed security personnel guarding the museum round the clock. The guards work in three shifts. Thankfully, we have not had a bad experience in the past 50 years," said Madan Gopal, the curator.

Similar is the situation at Venkatappa Art Gallery. "There are 15 security guards with a lathi and a whistle working in three shifts to safeguard both Government museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery. Six to eight guards work in a shift," said Manjula CN, assistant director.