The work on the construction of district jail at Karnangeri on the outskirts of Madikeri is on the verge of its completion. However, the work on the construction of road, three gates and officials quarters is still pending, making it not possible to shift the jail to the new premises by monsoon.

The jail is built on the model of the super speciality building. Costly tiles have been laid for the floor. The construction of building is almost completed. However, three gates near the main gate is still pending. Of six residential quarters buildings, two are completed. The work on the construction of residential quarters will be completed within two months, said an engineer.

The construction of three gates, laying of roads in front of the jail calls for inviting tender. The work has to be undertaken only after inviting the tender. Will the work get over by monsoon is the question that will arise in the minds of the public.

At the same time, there is shortage of staff in the jail. The ambulance do not have driver and is unused now. There is a need to recruit enough staff before the shifting of the jail. Doctor  should be deployed in the jail. With all this problems, it will be difficult to shift jail all at once, says an official.

The jail with the state-of-the-art facility has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 1.85 crore. The jail has nine VIP cell, one video conference room, 11 cells for men and two for women. Apart from this, there is a separate room for superintendent, jailer, doctor, vistor.  The construction of grill in the corridor, white wash and polishing needs to be undertaken now.

The estimated cost of the construction of jail was revised for Rs 14 lakh. However, the department did not release the amount. If the authorities release additional fund on time, we will complete the work at the earliest, said Sadashiva who looks after the ongoing construction.

A fulfledged jail is ready. But when the jailbirds will be shifted to the new premises is a million dollar  question.