A study conducted by a non-governmental organisation has pointed out glaring errors in the TenderSURE pavements in the City.
The visibility access audit conducted by the Forum for Urban Commons and Governance, a community-based organisation, showed that the TenderSURE pavements along St Mark’s Road are not disabled-friendly.
The report, which was released on Saturday, is based on the study and visit made by two disabled people — Ashwin and Krishnappa along with representatives of the forum.
Reshma, a representative of the forum, said, “The study was conducted mainly to highlight the issues faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and the elderly in using the Tender SURE pavements. The guidelines recommended by the UN as well as the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) have not been effectively followed while upgrading St Mark’s Road.”
Divya Ashwini Kumar, another representative of the forum who visited the road, said, “The access audit reveals startling issues such as uneven pavements, absence of zebra crossings, presence of cables and debris dumped in many stretches of the pavements, among others. Also, separate parking space has not been provided for persons with disabilities. Deep ridges and protruding pavement blocks would lead to wheelchairs toppling or elderly persons tripping.’
The audit report also points out the steep gradients (at the entry and exit of the pavements) that pose serious hazards to the persons with disabilities and the elderly.
DH News Service
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