Master plan to be prepared for reconstruction of Kozhikode district jail

A master plan will be prepared soon for the reconstruction of the Kozhikode district jail following a safety audit by the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services department. The Public Works department (PWD) will supervise the process. The department has already completed preliminary survey work.

A major task is to demolish weak buildings and cells constructed several decades ago. Most buildings in the 6.96-acre area remain unfit and unable to accommodate the permitted number of prisoners. The rainy season continues to be the riskiest time with the broken ceiling and damaged walls.

According to officials, more facilities will have to be ensured to accommodate the permitted strength of 225 prisoners. Despite the limited facilities, the Kozhikode jail now has about 300 people. The daily administration is also facing multiple hurdles with the limited amenities.

Now there are only 19 cells in the jail, which was constructed in 1861. Many of the cells are now accommodating more than the permitted numbers. The number of comfort stations is also not sufficient to meet the actual requirements.

Prisons department sources say the lack of facilities often forces the authorities to shift the remand prisoners to the jails in neighbouring districts. Similarly, the prisoners are often shifted to other jails during emergency renovation works, they add.

The Public Works department was asked to prepare the project report after the jail authorities expressed serious concerns over the recurring incidents or attempts of jail breaks.

According to officials, the speedy realisation of the proposals to open rural jails at Puthuppadi and Vadakara will also be crucial to reduce the overburden on the Kozhikode district jail. They say the project has already been approved by the government, but finance continues to be a major issue in the timely realisation.