It is a deplorable state of affairs: Ten ancient figurines belonging to the seventh or eighth century are literally lying in a garbage pit filled with wastewater at Pendagadi village under Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district which has a Buddhist past with various statues of the era found scattered around the area.
While the Goddess Bhimeshwar statue is established in the village temple, ten other figurines are lying in an abandoned place near the Pendagadi Ashram School.
Wastewater from the school kitchen and toilet is being let into place of the statues while some people are also defecating nearby, according to a report.
Kaptipada Sub-Collector Prabhat Kumar Mahapatra has reportedly said the conservation work of the historical figurines is the work of the Integrated Tribal development Agency (ITDA).
On the other hand, ITDA Project Administrator Brahmananda Behera has said that it is the responsibility of the district administration. He further said that he would ask the District Welfare Officer to look into the issue.