Yoga centres fail to 'rejuvenate' gas affected

BHOPAL: In 2014, they were touted as an apt tool for 'social rehabilitation' of the victims of world's worst industrial disaster. Two years later and after having spent Rs 5 crore on them, the yoga rejuvenation centres for gas victims have been a non-starter.
The centres, constructed by BMC under government's department of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation (BGTRR) plan, were projected as ones that would help 60% of gas-hit who suffer from one or other pulmonary ailment, in their recovery.
Ironically, while yoga is advised for patients with such ailments, the BMC yoga centres near Central Library and Shahjehanabad are all but empty. The Central Library centre in ward number 23 has turned into a BMC office with yoga room confined to the top floor. The entrance to this room is however blocked by tree logs. "Since July, yoga classes have not been conducted in any of the centres. This centre was exclusively for women, but BMC failed to provide basic logistics for yoga. We could not sustain," said a yoga expert, wishing anonymity. When the scheme was announced, BGTRR proposal stated: 'Looking at the disease pattern of gas victims, yoga practice will be beneficial and programme may help reduce medical expenditure."
The department built seven centres and handed them over to the civic body. "We did not get support from people. Against our expectations, people did not respond with enthusiasm. We are considering handing over the centres to culture department," said a BMC official.
Initially, 36 yoga centres were proposed to be built at cost of Rs 3.68 crore in each of gas-hit municipal ward.