The Coimbatore District Police, Naxal Special Division, Coimbatore District Home Guards along with Aravind Eye Hospital conducted a free eye camp in five tribal villages in the border areas of the city on Sunday, benefiting a total of 101 tribals.

The initiative was aimed at building confidence in villages that are identified as vulnerable as they are situated in close proximity to hamlets in Kerala which have recorded naxal movements.

The beneficiaries included 70 males and 31 females from the villages of Mottiyur, Ukaiyanur, Ukkapatti, Poolapatti and Neelampathi. Out of 10 people who were diagnosed with cataract, five have been referred for surgery. A 10-year-old girl was diagnosed with total loss of vision consequent to chronic epilepsy that has been untreated ever since she was four. Several were diagnosed with issues in the cornea. Many are in the need for spectacles as well.

The camp was conducted as a part of an initiative taken up by the Superintendent of Police, RV Ramya Bharati, including medical camps, skill-building activities for a section of tribal youth, computer training for students and installation of solar lights. Driving skills have been imparted to several tribal youth and the district police have helped them procure licences. Industrial visit to LMW and Roots Industries was part of providing industry exposure to the students.

In a bid to instill the patriotic spirit among young in the interior pockets, the district police had also organised Independence Day celebrations. Seven eligible youngsters from tribal villages have been employed by Ganga Hospital and KG Hospital. Apart from the medical camps that were conducted for tribals as part of the health care initiative, veterinary camps were also conducted for their cattle, poultry and goat which are an essential part of their livelihood.