Udupi: At Bal Bhavan in Brahmagiri, Udupi, a new park is being planned with therapy swings, tactile pathways, musical instruments and sensory gardens — all designed to support the recreational and developmental needs of specially-abled children.The project, named ‘Samarthya Vana’, is being jointly developed by department of women and child development, department for empowerment of differently-abled and senior citizens, and the Udupi zilla panchayat, with the aim of promoting growth, recreation and skill development among specially-abled children.District minister Laxmi R Hebbalkar laid the foundation stone for the project on Saturday.The park is envisioned as a comprehensive space that will support rehabilitation, therapeutic services, employment opportunities and independent living for differently-abled children. For implementation, a separate Samarthya Trust comprising officials has been constituted under the chairmanship of the ZP CEO.The project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.9 crore, including Rs 1.5 crore in govt grants and contributions from various organisations and institutions.According to officials, Udupi district has 1,228 differently-abled children below the age of 15, and the park is expected to provide them and their families with a dedicated space for recreation, therapy and development.The proposed park will include therapy swings, balance beams, musical instruments, tactile sensory pathways, sand and water play zones, and a sensory garden designed to help children experience different fragrances and textures.Speaking after laying the foundation stone, minister Hebbalkar said the park has the potential to become a model for the entire state and the country. “Though the project has been planned for completion within four years, efforts should be made to complete it within two years so that it can be inaugurated during our tenure itself. Funds from our department will also be released at the earliest,” she said.Udupi DC Swaroopa TK, ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, SP Hariram Shankar and others were present on the occasion.
