BMC plans to develop sensory garden for differently-abled kids

In what will be a first recreational facility for children, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to develop a garden to help kids sharpen their senses.

The BMC has decided to make provisions in this regard and is presently figuring out where such a facility can be developed. It is also identifying which disabilities can be considered while constructing the sensory garden.

"There is no recreational facility for children with autism and disabilities. So, we are considering the idea in response to a notice of motion moved by a city corporator. We are mulling over whether such a facility can be provided in any of BMC's existing gardens," a senior civic official said, wishing not to be named.

Deepak Pawar, the MNS corporator from ward number 42 (Malad), moved a notice of motion last year, suggesting that the civic body provide a recreational facility to children on the lines of a Pune garden, developed by a NGO two years ago. It has tactile flooring, a mini water body, sound instruments like drums and more than 60 types of plants including fragrant varieties, to enhance the children's experience.

"The BMC should try to provide as many facilities as possible to such children. I am happy that the municipal administration is considering the idea. My only request is the BMC provides them with the best recreational facility and takes adequate care to maintain it properly," Pawar said.

Farida Lambay, the founder-trustee of Pratham — an NGO that works for child rights, welcomed the idea. However, she suggested that the BMC take help of NGOs which are working in the sphere to make the garden useful. "Transporting the children is difficult. Hence, an important aspect is the garden's location. It should be conveniently accessible. There has to be specialised equipment for children with different disabilities," Lambay, former vice-principal of Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work, said.

She also suggested that the corporation could consider providing therapy to children at such gardens. "Constructing more such gardens will be a help," the educational activist said.

What is a sensory garden?
It's a garden created especially for disabled/autistic children. The idea is to let children sharpen their sensory opportunities, which they may not experience otherwise.

Such gardens have plants which can be smelt, textured walls, keypads, water bodies, a sound system and suitable infrastructure like ramps for physically challenged kids.