SubscribeA fuller report and photos from REATECH will have to wait for faster Internet connections but meanwhile progress continues in other parts of the world. Here is an example of what Svayam is doing in IndiaÇ
Jallianwala Bagh, a historical landmark in the Indian freedom struggle, is set be accessible to all with Svayam, an initiative of the Sminu Jindal Charitable Trust committed towards making public infrastructure accessible to persons with reduced mobility, and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) today announced a unique initiative ahead of the occasion of “World Heritage Day” and commemoration of its 89th anniversary.“Svayam has undertaken an access audit and come out with a set of recommendations for providing and ensuring accessibility to the Jallianwala Bagh complex. The audit has been forwarded to the ITDC, Abha Negi, director, Svayam, said here today.
Jallianwala Bagh will be accessible to all - Continued
by Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 18
Recently, the Svayam team accompanied by ITDC officials conducted an access audit to make the site accessible as per international standards of accessibility and inclusive environment under ITDC’s revitalisation initiative for the Jallianwala Bagh. Ramps for the physically challenged are among the steps recommended, it is learnt.Source : http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080419/punjab1.htmA brainchild of Sminu Jindal, managing director of Jindal SAW Limited, who has been afflicted with reduced mobility since the age of 11, the trust has been working towards providing independence and dignity to people with reduced mobility. After Qutab Minar in New Delhi, Jallianwala Bagh is the second project undertaken by the trust.
“The Jallianwala Bagh has great significance for our freedom struggle and this initiative is a humble endeavour to make this world heritage site accessible to all.With the ITDC inviting Svayam as access consultants for making this heritage site accessible and inclusive as per international set of guidelines and standards further drives our mission,” Negi said.
R.K. Safaya, senior vice-president (engineering), ITDC, said making Jallianwala Bagh accessible to all was an effort to welcome visitors with diverse needs and will promote an inclusive environment for all.
Svayam has been closely working with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to make the heritage sites accessible to people with reduced mobility. The recommendations made by Svayam are under various stages of implementation by the ASI. Taking into cognisance Svayam’s work, ASI has invited Svayam to help them understand and make some of the world heritage sites in Delhi, Agra and Goa barrier-free.
Contributed by Kavita Agrawal
Leave a comment