Most public places in the City do not have accessibility and toilets for disabled citizens, even though this is required by law, said K V Rajanna, the state disability commissioner.
Rajanna conducted an access audit of public buildings for physically challenged citizens here on Saturday and visited three different places. He observed that disabled citizens were not being alloted commercial spaces they are entitled to.
At the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) headquarters, Rajanna found that only one building had a wheelchair ramp.
There was no ramp or lift in the other BDA building. Rajanna said the authority should, not only ensure that its own premises obeys the law, but also sees to it that commercial complexes owned by BDA should have disabled-friendly access with suitable ramps, railings and toilets.
Rajanna also said that shops were not being allotted to persons with disability in BDA complexes.
“There are reservations for the disabled to open shops in these BDA complexes, but many persons with disability are facing problems in getting their shop allotment,” Rajanna said.
Reacting to Rajanna’s plea, BDA commissioner Pradeep Singh Kharola said tenders were called in for the work to construct the ramp and to install lift in the BDA building.
He assured that shop allotment will also be given to persons with disability and that they would ensure to create a suitable environment shortly.
In his audit at the satellite bus stand on Mysore Road, Rajanna said the ramps and railings were not technically constructed.
He noted that buses were not parked in a proper manner for disabled persons to board easily, and there was no space for parking and accessibility to the bus stand.
At the Press Club of Bangalore located inside Cubbon Park, the commissioner found the existing ramp too steep and lack of a disable-friendly toilet.
However, E V Satyanarayana, president of the club, assured the commissioner that they would comply soon.
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