The city-based non-profit Helping Hands Organization (H2O) is set to launch a barrier-free carbon-neutral zone in a step toward addressing the climate crisis.
H2O is partnering with the Corporate Social Responsibility team of Technopark firm Finstra for this initiative. Together, they are trying to neutralize the human carbon footprint by planting oxy-bamboo shoots along with indigenous herbs, fruits and flowering plants at its center in Menamkulam. The Sulabh Park at H2O’s Menamkulam campus will be inaugurated on June 5, World Environment Day.
Work on the zone started a year and a half ago. The area will be handicapped friendly, educative and therapeutic, with the inclusion of a sensory garden, with herbal patches, butterfly park and farming on 88 cents of land. According to H20, a rapid assessment has found that the region is home to nearly 200 species of butterflies, dragonflies, bees and birds.
At least six children and three adults have been productively employed in this area as the beneficiaries of H20 activities with special children.
The zone will also focus on teaching farming and gardening to some of the adult beneficiaries of H2O. At present, six disabled adults are regularly engaged in field maintenance, and are provided with financial assistance, regular skill training and therapy.