Three-year-old Jyoti, one of the survivors of the disaster which struck the State in June, is all set to be discharged from the Doon Hospital. Although she has not recovered completely, the plaster applied on her fractured legs was removed earlier this week.
With her psychological condition also improving, the Government is now planning to invite applications from couples wanting to adopt her.
“Inspite of the fact that she uses support to stand and walk, she is motivated to start walking without aid. Her psychological condition has also improved significantly. As compared to earlier days when she was suffering from emotional trauma, she is normal now. There were days when she used to point out towards the window and yearn to go out but she has at present accepted the environment around her,” said Rashi Bhatnagar, Jyoti’s psychologist at the Doon Hospital.
Many people have come forward to adopt the little girl. Withdrawing its earlier decision to hand her over to the custody of a social welfare group rather than individuals, the administration has now planned to give her to a childless couple wanting to adopt her.
“I had a discussion with the Chief Minister regarding this matter. He was of the opinion that Jyoti should be adopted by a childless couple. We would not prefer to send her to orphanage because there, she would be deprived of the personal care and affection of the parents. We will publish advertisements in newspapers for her adoption after which we will consider the credentials of the couples wanting to adopt her,” said Dehradun District Magistrate, R Meenakshi Sundaram.
Jyoti is currently under the care of Anganwadi workers and child helpline workers. She was brought to the Doon Hospital on June 24 after being found alone with fractured legs by rescue workers in the disaster affected area of Garhwal region.
“She used to cry a lot in the initial days and used to call out to her grandmother in her sleep. She had developed fear of the media persons and doctors but she is now recovering well. I am happy that considering the amount of media attention she has drawn, Jyoti has a bright future,” said Seema, one of the Anganwadi workers looking after her.