Gurgaon: Security in Haryana jails is set to go fully tech-driven with round-the-clock surveillance.A new standard operating procedure (SOP) is being finalised to make prisons crime-free and break gangster networks — guided by an upgraded security grid with extensive CCTV coverage and motion sensors.With Haryana govt and prison administration tightening control over jail operations, any movement near prison walls or restricted zones will trigger instant alarms. The motion-sensor setup will be launched first as a pilot in select jails to assess performance. Camera coverage is being expanded to eliminate blind spots, with all feeds routed to a central control room and dedicated monitoring teams.To stop extortion calls and gang activity from inside prisons, the Kavach system is being rolled out. In the first phase, six high-sensitivity jails — including Bhondsi Jail in Gurgaon — will be fitted with high-capacity jammers and signal-blocking equipment to disable mobile phone use inside jail premises. After clearance from the home ministry, installation work has been fast-tracked.“A new SOP is being prepared for security in jails. Every prisoner will be under CCTV camera surveillance. Even more robust security arrangements will be made inside the jails. Up to 80% of prisoners lodged in jails are being presented through video conferencing,” Haryana DGP (Jail) Alok Mittal said.Escape prevention has been strengthened through a three-layer perimeter system: high concrete walls, barbed-wire mesh on top, continuous patrolling and watchtower surveillance. Security staffing has been increased at Bhondsi and other key jails, with wardens and personnel assigned rotational 24-hour patrol duties for rapid response.The SOP also introduces tighter handling of high-risk criminals and gangsters. They will be housed in high-security cells with enhanced CCTV coverage compared with regular barracks. Prisoner movement, internal meetings and family interactions are being made more controlled and transparent.At Bhondsi jail, court production is being handled through 50 video conferencing units. The jail spans about 80 acres and is built for 2,412 inmates, but currently holds around 3,000 prisoners, including 2,960 men and 115 women. There are 35 foreign nationals and 2,585 inmates are undertrials.
