The Hindu : Dilli Haat welcomes disabled

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2002

Other States

Other States - New Delhi

Dilli Haat welcomes disabled

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI NOV. 25. Dilli Haat is all set to become the first disabled-friendly tourist spot in Delhi. Through the construction of about 30 ramps, installation of grab bars and hand rails and correction of the tiles, this hugely popular shopping and eating area would now become absolutely accessible to all categories of persons with disability.

The programme for making the entire place barrier-free was undertaken by the New Delhi Municipal Council in association with Samarthya -- Centre for Promotion of Barrier Free Environment for Disabled People.

As per the founder of Samarthya, Sanjeev Sachdev, his organisation had undertaken an access audit of Dilli Haat and then approached the NDMC Architect, Pradeep Sachdev, who was very open to the suggestions and facilitated the implementation of the programme. "He not only discussed the project with us but was courteous enough to even show us the drawings,'' said Mr. Sachdev.

The project, he said, had revealed that the Government functionaries were willing to work provided they were explained the need for the modifications required. Also, the design changes have been brought about right from the open area outside the gates of Dilli Haat.

While the tile work has been done again with red sandstone slabs for reducing gaps between them and ensuring that no one tripped and fell, the ticket windows have been lowered for the benefit of wheel-chair users.

The construction of numerous ramps all over the premises has allowed for easy obstruction free movement of persons on wheel- chairs as also children in prams. This move would also help the aged in taking a round of the places which hustles and bustles with activity round the year.In keeping with the overall aesthetics of Dilli Haat, the positioning of handrails -- which alone have cost Rs. 6 lakhs -- has been done in such a manner that they do not look out of place. The emphasis now has shifted to the toilets for which Samarthya has written to NDMC and even spoken to its Chairman, M.P. Singh.

Incidentally, it was a discussion with the Chief Minister in 2001 which had got work started on the project. The plan was sent to the Ministry of Tourism and was pursued by Managing Director of Delhi Transport and Tourism Development Corporation, Rajiv Talwar.

The work on the Rs. 9-lakh project began on September 20, 2001 and after a few hiccups in the tendering process proceeded smoothly. Now, Delhi Tourism has drawn up plans for adopting a similar disabled-friendly approach in the new Dilli Haat coming up at Pitampura, which would also have a "guiding block'' for helping the visually challenged find their way.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

Maken blasts BJP for adopting dual standards

Multi-storied parking lots coming

Hospital staff up in arms

Nobel laureate keeps date with Delhi

Red-tapism `blunts' novel initiative

Dilli Haat welcomes disabled

Ministers draw MLAs' ire