KDMC is all set to launch autism village in Kalyani

KALYAN: The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) will soon inaugurate an Autism Village in Kalyan (West). The project, coming up at the Barave area near the Ring Road, is aimed at promoting inclusivity, therapy and recreation.

Developed over an 12,772square-metre area, the Autism Village will have a zone dedicated to children with autism.

The other zone function as a public garden for general citizens. KDMC's Garden Supritendent Sanjay Jadhav said, “The special zone includes a sensory garden, sensory pathways, sensory-with-play equipment, a meditation centre, and a therapy centre.”

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, estimatedto affect 1 in 100 children under the of age 10 in India. Children with autism have issues with communication. They may overwhelmed by sounds, lights, smells, tastes and textures--a sensory garden is known to calm them. KDMC Commissioner Abhinav Goel with additional town planner Santosh Doiphode on Saturday inspected the site and directed officials to complete the project by April 2, World Autism Awareness Day.

Goel said, “Once operational, the facility is expected to benefit children with autism not only from the KDMC limits but also from adjoining cities and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region”.