Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 16: With very limited recreational spaces available for children with special needs in regular public parks, the Udupi zilla panchayat is set to establish Samarthya Vana, the country’s first dedicated park designed exclusively for special children.
The park will come up on a 1.50-acre plot on the premises of the CDPO (Child Development Project Office) near Brahmagiri Balbhavan. Samarthya Vana aims to nurture the abilities and talents of children with conditions such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and visual impairment.
At the gram panchayat level, five per cent of funds from every project must be reserved for special children. A total of Rs 27 lac collected at the district level has been allocated by the zilla panchayat for the initiative. CSR funds, along with MLA and MP grants, will also be utilised.
The project, estimated at Rs 1.50 crore, includes an auditorium, a jungle gym, and a dedicated sensory park that allows children to experience the fragrance and diversity of flowers through sensory stimulation.
A detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared. Samarthya Vana has been conceptualised around five core objectives aimed at supporting special children. Funds from next year’s action plan will be used to implement the project. The park is also expected to raise awareness and sensitivity among the general public about special children and their parents.
Facilities planned at Samarthya Vana
• Ramped jungle gym
• Outdoor musical instruments
• Wall games and sign language boards
• Restroom and drinking water facility
• Soft rubber impact flooring
• Central social hub
• Cocoon seat and texture path
• Planter bed
• Stage with ramp
• Indoor autism sensory room