In a first, floating bathing ponds for senior citizens in Ayodhya
Ayodhya/Lucknow: Improving accessibility for hundreds of
senior citizens
who come to
Ayodhya
to take a dip in the holy river, the local development authority has come up with an idea to set up two floating public bathing ponds.
To be introduced in the state for the first time, the artificial ponds that would be set up in the Saryu would ensure the safety of specially abled individuals and vulnerable senior citizens who find it difficult to take a plunge in the river. Two separate ponds would be established to cater to senior citizens, children and those worried about wading inside the river current. To be set up in Nayaghat, the artificial pond would help in keeping overcrowding in the area under check.
Officials from the local development authority said the maximum depth of the two ponds would be limited to four feet and 2.6 feet, and ramps would be created to bring devotees bound to a wheelchair.
Ayodhya Development Authority Vice-chairman Ashwini Pandey said the two ponds and the facility planned at Nayaghat would be big enough to host 300 individuals. "Safety barriers, railings, changing rooms, sitting area, restaurant and shops would be provided," he said.
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As per estimates prepared by the engineers deputed in the authority, Rs 3 crore is going to be infused for constructing the facility.
Inspector General of Ayodhya, Praveen Kumar, said, "The facility being planned at Nayaghat is going to will bring down congestion and overcrowding at Saryu ghats, particularly during major festivals and celebrations when the rush of devotees is too much to tackle."
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