Land hurdle for easing jail congestion

SHILLONG: The Prisons Department is finding it difficult to ease the congestion in Shillong jail as land is not available to construct a central jail in the State.
The National Human Rights Commission recently expressed concern over the congestion in Shillong jail as the strength of under-trial prisoners is over 400 whereas the capacity is 150.
An official source on Sunday said though the Prisons Department had sought land at Mawdiangdiang from the Urban Affairs Department for construction of a modern jail, there was no favourable response.
The government also wanted to acquire land elsewhere for the construction of a centralised jail, but this will take a long time due to the lengthy procedures related to land acquisition by the government, the official added.
The government is also planning to complete the construction of the pending Nongstoin jail, besides constructing new jails in Ampati and Khliehriat.