Imphal, April 13: Hectic processes are on to start construction of a new high security jail at the Sajiwa Jail complex under the modernisation of jails programme.

Sources in the IG Prisons office disclosed that the Centre had sanctioned Rs 3.14 crore for the construction during the 2002-03 fiscal out of which the State share is 25 percent of the total construction costs.

Master plan for the same had also been chalked out and is likely to be placed before the Govt within a couple of days, said the source while informing that manipur Police housing Corporation would handle the construction activities.

On completion of the new jail construction the existing prison at Old Lambulane might either be demolished or utilised for other purposes, it said and detailed the proposed jail as having capacity to house 200 inmates in three compartments.

Out of the sanctioned amount of Rs 3.18 crores more than Rs 1,66,61,370 would be used in construction of the prison premise and Rs 18,82,288 estimated for utilisation in construction of eight towers with Rs 5,56,341 set aside for construction of a frisking room.

Stating that the remaining amount would be used in repairing of the existing structures, outer security wall, sectorial walls, old septic tanks, kitchen and four new quarters, the source further informed of plans to construct two security barracks having capacity of 120 personnel.

Moreover, constructions of four new jail blocks at the Sajiwa complex had been completed with assistance of Rs 1 crore provided under the 11th Finance Commission while three others are currently on, said the source.

The addition of four blocks would substantially increase the present capacity to house 816 inmates, it said adding that PHED had been assigned to look after water supply requirements with provision of Rs Four lakhs while MPHC is in charge of the overall construction of the new blocks at the Sajiwa jail premise.

It may be noted that due to rapid rise in number of script agitation related detention at Sajiwa jail leading to near congestion seven women NSA detainees had been shifted to Imphal Central Jail.

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