World Disability Day: Footpaths, ramps fail to meet needs of differently abled in city

Even as World Disability Day would be observed on Tuesday wherein speakers during the events would highlight the need for disabled-friendly infrastructure at public places, a casual look at the facilities in the city is enough to reveal that there is a still of work to do.

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Take the example of footpaths created for the pedestrians in various market places. One of the most important passages leading to the Golden Temple through the Hall Bazaar would reveal that most footpaths are too high and inaccessible to the disabled and wheelchair users.

In fact, these footpaths become a bane not only for the physically challenged but also the senior citizens.

Local residents stated that the design of these footpaths is uncomfortable for pedestrians to use, and they can be seen avoiding them. The height of footpaths from the road level makes it difficult for people to step up or down easily. With multiple streets cutting across the footpaths, it’s like taking a step down and then a step up after every few meters.

“Footpaths should have been designed with a height of six or seven inches, similar to staircases in homes, and should have included slopes for people with special physical needs. Additionally, the uneven manhole covers installed on the footpaths pose a further hazard,” expressed Rajinder Singh, a senior citizen.

Another resident, Gurnam Singh said, “A blind or wheelchair-bound person cannot use these footpaths. It would have been better if they were disabled-friendly.”