PANAJI
Two days before the Goa Human Rights Commission is due to take up the long-pending sewage crisis at the Central Jail, Colvale, photographs and videos emerging from inside the prison have brought into focus the conditions in which inmates are living, with allegations of contaminated water, stagnant sewage, mosquito breeding and repeated cases of diarrhoea and fever. The GHRC is scheduled to hear the matter on Friday, after calling upon the Inspector General of Prisons and Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department to submit their replies and remain present.
The latest material, exclusively available with The Goan, showed waterlogging and accumulated filth in parts of the prison. Official sources said Block 3 has been among the worst-affected areas, as water contamination and stagnant water are reported around the barracks. Similar conditions have reportedly been noticed near the prison mess, where food for inmates is prepared daily, as well as around another block housing convicts. More than 120 undertrials and convicts are understood to be lodged in the affected area. Inmates have reportedly sent letters to the prison headquarters highlighting the conditions, but allege that little has changed. “We heard that PWD and jail officials inspected the premises some days back, but the situation has barely improved,” a source said.
The ongoing contamination has also raised concerns about inmates' health. Sources added the prison’s in-house doctor has been dealing with daily cases of diarrhoea or fever, while stagnant water has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The issue was officially brought before the GHRC on August 26 by Advocate Savio Travasso, a nominee of the Board of Visitors to the Central Jail alleging that a foul smell inside the prison posed a health risk to inmates. He further stated that the problem had continued since 2021 despite repeated follow-ups with PWD officials. Concerns have also been raised over the condition of the toilet block, with inmates alleging that inadequate cleaning and poor hygiene have added to the already difficult conditions.
