THE NEW PICNIC SPOT IN CHENNAI

THE CENTRAL PRISON IN CHENNAI

The Central prison of Chennai that is soon to be demolished is the new hot spot in Chennai. People from various places come (with lunch packed) to have a glimpse of this old prison building, built in 1837. A glimpse of it can speak volumes about the life of the inmates. One can see single prisons, collective prisons, the visiting room, the platform where convicts were hanged and many more. All these are in complete shambles now. The government’s decision to through open the prison for public viewing is appreciatable. Looking and imagining the life in the prison can definitely arouse a fear and awareness in the minds of the people who indulge in crimes. It will be nice if the government avoids demolition and converts this old fortress as a museum. There are also vendors in the premises now, selling water packets, fruits, ice cream (and also cigarettes )- making it truly a place for picnic. One regrettable thing is that the government could have found a solution to the problem of garbage and the foul smell and made it more pleasant and refreshing. Apart from it, it is a place where one can have mixed feelings of excitement, thrill and pity for the inmates.