Karnataka - Madikeri   

New prison complex coming up in Madikeri

Staff Correspondent

MLA performs `guddali puja' to launch the Rs. 2.5-crore project

PICTURE PERFECT PLOT: The site for the new prison complex near Madikeri.

Madikeri: The district jail located in the heart of the city here will be shifted to Kalakeri-Nidugane village on the outskirts of the city.

The new site, swathed in greenery, is being built at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crores.

The "guddali puja" for the work was performed by Madikeri MLA K.G. Bopaiah on Monday.

Mr. Bopaiah told presspersons that the Forest Department should be blamed for the delay in implementing the project. The department created hurdles in implementing the project, which was sanctioned six years ago. The Centre and the State Government will contribute in the ratio of 75:25, Mr. Bopaiah said. The jail had to be shifted because it was located adjoining the Fort. Archaeological Survey of India, which is the custodian of the Fort, has been pressuring the district administration to vacate its premises. He said he spoke to the Chief Minister recently for securing clearance to the project because of objections by the Forest Department.

Things started moving only later.

Approach roads needed to be widened and asphalted.

He will secure funds separately for the purpose, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Section for women

Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation Ltd Executive Engineer N.S. Chandrashekar, under whose supervision work will take place, said a separate section for 25 women inmates will be built. Human rights norms were being taken into consideration while building the jail whose plinth area will be 3,450 sq m. Separate VIP cells will be built. About 10 acres of land has been allotted for the jail complex. Besides, a court hall, a video conferencing room, hospital, and staff quarters will be built as per the plan of the district jail. A watchtower will come up in the centre of the premises.

Mr. Bopaiah said the contractor from Tumkur has been asked to provide jobs to local people and also use local materials in the construction of the building.

At times of emergency, up to 500 people can be accommodated in the new jail, Jail Superintendent Tallur said. The work is expected to be completed in 12 months barring the four-month lay-off in monsoon.

Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Vice-President B.C. Neelamma and Kalakeri-Nidugane Gram Panchayat president Dean Bopanna were present.

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