Overcrowding crisis in Far West prisons

Dhangadhi: As of recent reports, a total of 1,530 individuals, including 152 women, are currently incarcerated in the Far West region of Nepal.

This figure highlights a significant overcrowding issue, as the total capacity of the nine district jails in Sudurpaschim Province is only 614. Kailali district faces the most severe situation, housing 639 prisoners—585 men and 125 women—in a facility designed for just 150.

In Kanchanpur, 238 people are held in a jail with a mere 95-person capacity, while Dadeldhura District Jail currently holds 143 inmates, surpassing its capacity of 156.

Other districts are also struggling with overcrowding: Doti Jail accommodates 78 men in a space meant for 28, while Achham District Jail is at 85 inmates, well over its 75-person limit.

Bajhang, Bajura, Baitadi, and Darchula district jails report similar overcrowding issues, with capacities ranging from 25 to 40. Most prisoners have been convicted of various crimes by their respective district courts. The alarming situation calls for urgent reforms and improvements in the prison system to ensure humane conditions for those incarcerated.