UP: Kaushambi jail inmates learn landscaping, turn prison scenic

PRAYAGRAJ: Think of a prison and the image that instantly flashes in the mind is of a block of rows of dimly lit cells with iron grille doors, small windows, and a compound bounded by high walls with razor fences or broken glass on top.
If the above holds true for you, then a visit to the district jail in Kaushambi will leave you shocked for sure as you will witness a lush green garden with trees and a big pond with crystal clear blue water in which a raft of ducks is paddling and fluttering while quacking.
The superintendent of Kaushambi district jail, Rakesh Singh told TOI, “A group of 20 inmates worked two hours in the morning and evening every day after conceptualising this and did this landscaping. They used their creativity and gave an appealing and attractive look to the premises through landscaping and gardening. Their efforts are being appreciated all over.”
Landscaping is an art of making a piece of land attractive by altering the design, adding ornamental features, and planting trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and ornamental ones.
“This has happened for the first time in Uttar Pradesh when the inmates of a jail have done unique landscaping of the jail campus and turned it attractive, lively and striking,” Singh added.
Our two inmates, who had learnt landscaping and gardening skills, are training their fellow inmates so that they could make it their profession when they are released, the district jail superintendent added.
Director general, prisons, UP, Anand Kumar also acknowledged the landscaping in Kaushambi district jail and applauded the efforts of the inmates. In a tweet from his official handle, the DG said, "This stunning scene is not from any resort but it’s Kaushambi district jail. Our inmates are learning landscaping and gardening."
The video of the landscaping has gone viral on social media and is still accumulating likes from viewers.