Land Search Stalls as Overcrowding Worsens in State Prisons

### Quick Summary
– Kerala’s 57 prisons, intended for 7,828 inmates, are housing 10,832 prisoners-38% above capacity.
– Central Prisons in Poojappura, Viyyur, and Kannur hold 3,839 inmates despite a combined capacity of only 2,228.
– Overcrowding worsened following a high-profile escape incident involving Govindachamy.
– The government seeks to build a new Central Prison on nearly 50 acres in Kottayam or Pathanamthitta but faces challenges like dense population clusters and legal issues with plantation land acquisition.- A suggested site at Manimala in Kottayam stalled due to expansion plans near Vagamon tourist destination.
– Kerala Jail Reforms committee Report (2017) had recommended prison sites in Ernakulam or Thodupuzha.
– Officials propose either construction of the new facility or vertical expansion of existing prisons to relieve overcrowding.
– Overcrowded conditions have led to deteriorating living standards and unsafe lodging arrangements within solitary confinement cells.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
the overcrowding crisis in Kerala’s prison system highlights systemic inefficiencies that call for urgent reform. The stark mismatch between inmate populations and facility capacities threatens safety and quality of life within correctional facilities. While the state’s attempt to construct a modern Central Prison is commendable, challenges such as scarcity of suitable land locations and bureaucratic inertia point towards deeper structural concerns.Additionally, exploring vertical expansions may offer pragmatic solutions where horizontal advancement proves unfeasible. However, such changes require careful planning to ensure they do not compromise security measures or worsen living conditions further. Addressing these crises proactively is vital not just from penal reform perspectives but also for broader societal safety and justice governance outcomes.

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