QUEEN’S ROAD: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s first senior citizen centre will be inaugurated at Mahalakshmi Layout on Thursday.
The centre aims to serve citizens who are 60 years and above. The BBMP has spent `20 lakh on the building, located in Shankaramutt ward in Mahalakshmi Layout. It will be handed over to the local Senior Citizen Forum, which in association with the BBMP will set up various facilities for senior citizens.
M Ravindranath of Senior Citizen Forum says, “The centre is open to all senior citizens in the area, both members and non-members of the forum. It will have a library, a TV and recreational activities like pravachanas (discourses). A medical helpline will also be established to rush emergency cases to the nearest hospital. It will take about two months for all this to become fully functional,” he said.
Mahalakshmi Layout MLA K Gopalaiah says the centre will provide a lounge-like place for the elderly, who often get lonely at home. “We will also provide food depending on the finances available, and conduct medical camps,” he says.
BBMP officials say the centre should not be confused with an old age home. “It is a place for recreation and relaxation and can be used only during the day,” Thimmarasu, BBMP Executive Engineer, told City Express.