The civic body’s much awaited policy for senior citizens in the city is finally going to become a reality.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) cleared it at its general body meeting on Monday.

The policy, which includes the provision of day care and recreation grounds for them in every municipal ward and medical helpline services and amenities in open spaces, was announced on October 1 last year.

According to the plan, five recreational grounds, admeasuring 700 sqft each, and 34 new gardens will be developed across the city, which will include facilities such as libraries, provisions for indoor games and amphitheatres.

Among other measures are dedicated spaces for senior citizens when large housing complexes are proposed, a library for them with books on spirituality and health, and ramps and railings at public toilets.

BJP corporator Vinod Shelar had moved a notice of motion in the civic house in June 2012.

“This is the first time any corporation has formed such a policy for senior citizens. The Federation of Senior Citizens’ Organisation, Maharashtra, had submitted a draft policy to make the city more senior citizenfriendly. I am glad that the commissioner considered it and the policy has finally come into effect,” said Shelar.

According to the policy, the civic body will also hold special programmes in the city for elderly on October 1, the International Day for Senior Citizens.

Apart from this, special geriatric units will be set up in civic hospitals and they will be also provided halls and classrooms in civic schools to hold meetings or functions during weekends at nominal costs.

According to census 2011, there are around 12 lakh senior citizens in Mumbai and more than 21% of them live below the poverty line.