KOCHI: To create an experiential garden for the disabled, Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) is planning on constructing an aromatic garden at Vypeen with the help of tourism department.The project, which comes as a part of the Responsible Tourism Mission's venture to make tourist destinations in the state accessible for the disabled, will be implemented near Vypeen beach area."The walkway near Vypeen beach is a fairly unused space for even the local tourists. There is ample space on one side of the walkway, which can be used for cultivating a garden bed that can be accessed by the disabled. The plan is to create the garden with aromatic plants and flowers like chembakam, clove and other flowering plants so that even the blind can experience the fragrance of the garden. They will also be given facility to touch and feel the plants," a KSIE official said.Braille boards that explain the name and characteristics of each plant will also be placed alongside to assist the blind."Keeping in mind that the sense of smell and touch is said to be heightened in the blind persons, the garden planned at Vypeen is being designed in such a way to cater specifically to these senses," the official said.The detailed project report of the garden is being designed by the KSIE team and will be submitted to the district tourism promotion council, Ernakulam, for further formalities. "Once the project is sanctioned by the department and the funds for the same is approved, it would take a maximum of 6 to 8 months to complete as the walkway is already in good shape and wouldn't need much makeover," he added. Accessible tourism initiatives in the city is being extensively promoted in the city, with the tourism department aiming to make all major tourist destinations and public spaces disabled friendly within a span of three to five years."Such initiatives which aim to integrate the disabled into the society, especially in spheres such as art and tourism, is a hopeful sign towards the future for those who still face marginalization in the mainstream. This inclusivity that is promoted in the tourism sector should but reflect in other vital institutions as well, such as government buildings and offices which are frequently approached by the commoners," said Anitta Biji, a disabled activist.

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