Maharashtra plans high-rise prison in Mankhurd to combat overcrowding

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The Maharashtra state prison system is studying the multi-story prisons in Chicago, China, and Singapore to finalize the blueprint for a highly anticipated high-rise prison in the Mankhurd area. This initiative aims to address overcrowding in various jails adjacent to Mumbai. According to official data, Maharashtra's prisons currently house 40,428 inmates, and the total capacity of the prison is 27,931.

According to sources, a few months ago, the long-awaited 5-acre land in Mandala, Mankhurd was acquired by the state, and construction is likely to begin after discussions with the concerned department. "Currently, the projects in Palghar and Yerwada are at an advanced stage, and work on Mandala will start soon. This will help us reduce overcrowding in prisons across Maharashtra, which is currently higher than its actual capacity," said Amitabh Gupta, ADG Prison.

The Maharashtra Housing Department, which will construct the prison on the 5-acre land in Mandala, is studying the blueprints of multi-story prisons worldwide, particularly those in China, Singapore, and Chicago. "We are not accustomed to multi-story prisons, so it is crucial for us to understand how they function, how to handle inmates, provide various facilities, and move them within the facility. The construction will be different from a standard building, which is why we are studying blueprints from different prisons around the world," said an officer of the Maharashtra prison.

The officials also said that they are also studying to use the full FSI or leave some open space for the sports facilities of the prisoners. As per the data, Maharashtra currently has 60 prisons which has a capacity of 27,931 inmates but it houses 40,428 inmates.

As According to the data, prisons in Mumbai are also overcrowded, and many bail applications pending in courts are for non-serious offences. Official data shows that Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, with a capacity of 999 inmates, houses 3,700. Taloja Prison in Navi Mumbai has a capacity of 2,100 but holds 2,800 prisoners. Similarly, Thane Jail, with a capacity of 1,100, and Kalyan Jail, with a capacity of 505, accommodate 3,000 and 2,800 inmates, respectively.

"Overcrowding has been a serious concern in Mumbai, and we have been raising this issue with the concerned departments, including the legal department. Also, we need to ensure that bail is granted in cases involving non-serious offences. This would help create more space inside the prisons," an officer said on the condition of anonymity.

Lawyer speaks

"In non-serious cases, it is noticed that a huge amount of under-trials are languishing in jails. The norm of bail is the rule; jail is the exception, is unfortunately not being implemented in letter and spirit and the ground reality is a stark reminder. Corruption is rampant in Jails which is common knowledge. The Jails are hugely congested leading to fights even for crumbs. The Supreme Court has repeatedly expressed concern about the overcrowding of jails all over India. It is the duty of Courts, prosecutors and the concerned Government Authorities to conduct immediate surveys, jail which will reveal that hundreds of men and women are languishing for various reasons. The Trials are taking lots of years to even commence and it is the duty of all concerned to act swiftly as more the undertrial remains in the dangerous company even reform would be a remote dream, which is disastrous for our society also," said senior lawyer, Dr. Sujay Kantawala.