News

Volume 3 Issue 15 - August 01, 2005

Involve disability expert in planning, design, implementation of Delhi Master Plan: Sheila Dikshit

D.N.I.S. News Network – In a boost to the disability sector’s demand to make access an integral part of the Delhi Master Plan, Delhi’s Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has supported the idea of taking on board an expert on disability access for planning, design and implementation of the Master Plan.

The Delhi Government has responded positively to recommendations by National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (N.C.P.E.D.P.) regarding the proposed modifications to the Master Plan for Delhi.

Not only has Sheila Dikshit supported these recommendations, she has also promised to forward the recommendations to Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Urban Development, for action.

N.C.P.E.D.P., in its recommendations sent on 7 July 2005, had stressed that the Master Plan should address disability in a more specific and technical way in all aspects of the Plan, and that a disability expert on access must be involved at every stage of planning, design and implementation of the Master Plan.

It had stated that Section 11.6.1 under the Urban Design Section (page 333) should mention that street furniture and signage would be made disabled friendly as provided in the National Building Code; and Section 12.15 on Barrier Free Environment under Transportation should include the following amendments:

Concede Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995, where the issue has been addressed in greater detail and ensure its implementation; Concept of Universal Design should be adopted for all public spaces, built or open, to cater to the needs of the non disabled and disabled people, young and old.

The different categories of disability that need to be addressed include Blindness, Low vision, Leprosy cured, Hearing impairment, locomotor disability, Mental retardation and Mental illness. The Master Plan should specify a time bound schedule for making existing buildings and spaces in Delhi disabled friendly.