KANNUR: Kannur Central Prison will be the first jail in the state to have an indoor stadium built solely by the prisoners. The multipurpose indoor stadium can be used for playing shuttle and volleyball and can also be used as a convention centre and auditorium. The stadium, expected to be completed at a cost of Rs 26 lakh, will have a multi gymnasium for Jail officials.
The authorities are also planning to install an air-conditioned facility in the stadium so that various indoor tournaments can also be hosted here. The construction of the stadium started in June 2015 when Mr Ashokan Arippa was the Jail Superintendent in-charge and till date no laboureres from outside were used for the purpose.
“There were many condemned staff quarters in the jail compound and the laterite stones from these buildings were piled up and were not being put to any use. So I thought of using it for a better purpose. We already had a plan to construct building for leisure activities for staff. When I approached the then Jail DGP T.P Senkumar with the project, he approved and supported the plan,” said Mr Ashokan.
A stage and two changing rooms are also coming up in the stadium. Almost 75 percent of the work of the stadium is complete and now only the roofing and electrical work are pending. “We have spent nearly Rs 21 lakh so far and awaiting the sanction of another Rs 6 lakh for the roofing. If the work is given to any outside agency, it would definitely cost over Rs 1.5 crore,” he added. Once completed, the 6,900 sq feet Indoor Stadium located at a prime spot in Kannur City, can also serve as a revenue generator for the jail department by hosting conventions and marriage functions.
