The exclusive international standard park for the physically-challenged with a barrier-free environment at Nalgonda crossroads, Malakpet is all set to come up in another six months. The GHMC, which is spending close to Rs. 34.20 lakh for the park, has already finished the works related to the first phase of the project and the second phase is on in full swing, said Mayor Mohd. Majid Khan.
“The barrier-free park is one among several initiatives of GHMC taken up for the cause of the physically-challenged. Ours is the only municipality that has a separate cell ‘Vikasam’ for physically-challenged. We have also provided 10 per cent reservation for the disabled to operate Sulabh complexes,” he said at a special artificial limbs donation camp held in Old City on Sunday to mark Mahesh Navami.
The camp was organised by the State unit of All India Vaish Federation (AIVF) in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Vikalang Sahayatha Samiti (BMVSS) and GHMC. Nearly 300 physically-challenged persons visited the camp and made use of the facilities that included taking measurements followed by distribution of the custom-made artificial limbs (Jaipur foot).
“We wanted to make sure that the physically-challenged are satisfied with their Jaipur foot and hence we brought experts,” said patron, BMVSS, P. C. Parakh.
The city chapter of BMVSS, set up in 1983 at King Kothi district hospital, has already supplied 40,000 artificial limbs.
“The cost of imported limbs is between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 3 lakh while the cost of Jaipur foot is just Rs. 3,000. The Jaipur foot has empowered the physically challenged,” Mr. Parakh said.
Minister, Child and Disabled Welfare, Sunitha Lakshma Reddy, who inaugurated the camp, congratulated AIVF, BMVSS and GHMC for holding the camp in Old City. National president, AIVF, Gireesh Kumar Sanghi, top office-bearers of AIVF and members of Vaish community were present.
