News

Volume 6 Issue 2 - July 01, 2009

Barrier free constructions in the next three years

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: In what can be seen as a path breaking decision, the Central Government has drawn an action plan to provide a barrier free environment in all major public buildings in the country. Disabled friendly facilities like an access ramp, toilets, signage and Braille signage lift control will be provided in the Prime Minister’s Office by September this year. Other central government buildings like Nirman Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Indira Gandhi Museum and National Archives of India will also have these facilities by the end of this year.

Ministry of Urban Development is the nodal ministry for the plan. It will impress upon the States to make amendments in their building bye laws to facilitate a barrier free environment in public places over the next two years.

The Ministry has already started access audit of around 50 central buildings in Delhi. The access audit will identify barriers in the buildings for disabled people such as approach, main gates, parking, building entrance, public dealing areas, signage, lifts, staircase, ramp, toilets, lighting, exit and emergency evacuation facilities.