In a bid to address the alarming issue of overcrowding at Pune’s Yerwada Central Jail, the Police Housing Corporation has unveiled plans for a brand-new facility designed to house temporarily incarcerated prisoners. Currently accommodating over 6,000 inmates in a space originally intended for 2,323, the proposed facility seeks to alleviate the strain on the existing prison infrastructure.
A Persistent Problem: Overcrowding at Yerwada Central Jail
Yerwada Central Jail, with its thirty barracks, is grappling with an overcrowding crisis of monumental proportions. The institution, initially constructed to house 2,323 inmates, now exceeds its capacity by an alarming margin. The current population includes a diverse mix of inmates, from those serving death sentences to sick prisoners, senior citizens, and foreign detainees. A significant portion of this demographic consists of temporarily incarcerated prisoners, making it imperative to devise a dedicated solution.
A New Jail on the Horizon
To combat this issue, the Public Works Department (PWD) submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra state government for the construction of a new jail. This proposed facility, with an estimated cost of Rs 175 crores, is designed to accommodate 3,000 temporarily incarcerated prisoners. However, the plan has encountered a slight delay as it awaits action by the Police Housing Corporation.
The initial design for the new jail included a ground floor and a first floor, featuring various essential facilities such as an administrative building, the senior jail officer’s office, and a central kitchen. Regrettably, this proposal was rejected by the Home Department, which subsequently tasked the Police Housing Corporation with the development of a new plan.
Shahaji Jadhav, Executive Engineer at the Police Housing Corporation, expressed, “Given the pressing issue of overpopulation at Yerwada Central Jail, we’ve presented a proposal for a new facility. Preliminary discussions and building designs have already been completed. Once the required funds are approved, we will issue the tender for the new jail’s construction, initiating the process.”
A Glimpse of the Future Facility
While Yerwada Central Jail occupies a sprawling 65-acre area and primarily houses long-term prisoners, the forthcoming jail, spanning 30 acres, will be dedicated to temporarily incarcerated prisoners. Notably, the new facility is set to feature 30 high-security rooms enclosed by an outer boundary wall of 21 feet and an inner boundary wall of 10 feet, specifically designed to house hardened criminals.
This progressive step by the Police Housing Corporation demonstrates a commitment to rectify the pressing issue of overcrowding at Yerwada Central Jail and provide better conditions for prisoners awaiting trial.
