Minister Hebbalkar Lays Foundation Stone for Pioneering ‘Samarthya Vana Park’ for Specially-Abled Children in Udupi
Udupi: Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony for the ‘Samarthya Vana Park for Special Children,’ a groundbreaking initiative designed to cater to the unique recreational and developmental needs of differently-abled children. The park, the first of its kind in the country, is being constructed at Bal Bhavan in Brahmagiri, Udupi, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity and empowerment.
To ensure effective implementation and management of the project, a dedicated “Samarthya Trust” has been established, comprising key officials under the leadership of the Zilla Panchayat CEO. The estimated cost of the park’s construction is Rs 4.90 crore, which includes a government grant of Rs 1.5 crore, along with financial support from various organizations and institutions.
Recognizing the specific needs of the 1,228 disabled children under the age of 15 residing in the Udupi district, the park will feature specialized amenities designed to promote therapeutic development and sensory exploration. These include therapy swings, balance beams, musical instruments, tactile pathways with varied textures, sand and water play areas, and a sensory garden featuring plants for olfactory and tactile stimulation.
During the foundation stone laying ceremony, Minister Hebbalkar emphasized the park’s potential to serve as a model project for both the state of Karnataka and the nation. While the initial project timeline anticipates completion within four years, the Minister urged officials to expedite the process, setting a target for inauguration within the current government’s tenure – a two-year timeframe. Furthermore, she pledged the prompt release of funds from her department to facilitate the project’s swift progress.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroop T.K., Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Rudranna, and Smt. Ratna, renowned psychiatrist Dr. P.V. Bhandary, Jai Vitthal, Hariprasad Rai, and other senior departmental officials, underscoring the collaborative spirit and commitment to the project’s success. The ‘Samarthya Vana Park’ promises to be a transformative space, fostering inclusion, empowerment, and a higher quality of life for differently-abled children and their families in Udupi and beyond.