People urged not to abandon the children

The Department of Women Development and Child Welfare has appealed to the public not to leave orphaned, abandoned or abandoned children under the age of six on roads, drains, isolated areas or other public places.

Ch. Santhoshi, District Women and Child Protection and Empowerment Officer (DW&CW&EO), Visakhapatnam, said a Cradle Baby Center is available at Sishu Gruha in Marripalem to ensure the safety of infants and enable the government to take responsibility for their care.

Parents or guardians who were unable to raise their children could safely place them in a cradle at the center without worry and without their identities being disclosed, she said.

She urged people to immediately inform the authorities or the Child Helpline if they find an orphaned child or a child placed in a cradle. Call the toll free children’s helpline 1098 for help.

Project Director, WDCW Division, Visakhapatnam can be contacted at 9440814575, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) at 9949136649 and Sishu Gruha Manager, Marripalem at 8919154458. Child Helpline Coordinator, Child Helpline Committee at 7. 9866084124.

Ms. Santhoshi said that illegally handing over or selling children or abandoning them on roads is an offense under the law. She urged the public to immediately inform the authorities of finding such children and help ensure their safe admission to Sishu Gruha for legal protection and rehabilitation.

Published – 25 Sep 2026 23:49 IST