Challenged more by PMC apathy

Pune Mirror: Pune: Sunday, 09 November 2014.

PMC spending crores on constructing subways, but fails to equip any of them with disabled-friendly measures like lifts and ramps.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is spending big money on constructing three new subways in the city, but none of them are being built compliant with central government guidelines on disabled-friendly infrastructure. A Right to Information (RTI) inquiry has revealed that neither ramps nor lifts are to be provided in any of the three subways, as per the proposals. In fact, even a handrail isn't provided.

Not only this, the subways will also be blocking existing footpaths and cycle tracks. Surveys justifying the need for these subways also haven't been conducted. No reasons are provided for the decisions.

The three subways  to be constructed at Karishma Chowk, PMT bus stand on Paud Road and Anandnagar Chowk on Paud Road will cost the PMC Rs 8.8 crore. But as the RTI query revealed, they are in clear violation of the Persons with Disabilities act and IRC guidelines, which state all subways and foot over bridges (FOB) must be disabled-friendly. Provision of a ramp or lift is mandatory, as are handrails and guiding tiles.

"The PMC isn't interested in the safety or convenience of the pedestrians. It's only interested in spending large sums of money for the benefit of contractors. No audit of existing subways and FOBs were undertaken, but still more money is being sought. The traffic department must design safe crossings and enforce rules. It should also make a policy that would guide these decisions, instead of arbitrarily making ad-hoc calls," said Ranjit Gadgil, program director at Parisar, who got the information under RTI.

"Subways are built for the safety of pedestrians given the heavy traffic congestion in the city, but government authorities are ignorant about physically challenged people. Facilities like ramps and railings can be built with very limited funds. According to central government guidelines, it is mandatory to provide disabledfriendly facilities. Despite that, however, things haven't improved much at the local level," lamented Rahul Deshmukh, founder president of the National Association for the Welfare of Physically Challenged.

Gadgil further demanded the PMC conduct a survey of existing subways and FOBs and determine the extent to which they are being used. "We have complained to the municipal commissioner as well. We've demanded the PMC design safe road-level crossings," he said.

Omprakash Bakoria, additional commissioner (special), said, "I have not checked the design of the proposed subways. It is necessary that there should be proper facilities for physically challenged people. I will conduct the meeting and instruct concerned officials to make necessary changes in the design."