Rose & Terrace Gardensto get disabled-friendly

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh municipal corporation will set up special infrastructure at Rose Garden, Sector 16 and Terrace Garden, Sector 33, in a bid to make them differently-abled friendly. Later, such infra will be installed in other parks too.
“The gardens and parks of Chandigarh require special interventions to make them accessible to differently abled persons.Therefore, MC has made a proposal for making differently abled friendly infrastructure at Rose Garden and Terraced Garden, at a cost of around Rs 2 crore. The project is likely to take six months for completion,” a source said.
The proposal will be submitted in the MC general house meeting on May 11 for its approval.
“As per the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 enacted by the Government of India on January 1996, all public spaces are required to be made accessible to differently abled persons. While MC has made enormous strides in this sector by not only providing ramps in all its buildings and toilets but also providing tactile flooring, wherever required. Municipal Corporation is also constructing a State of Art Sensory Park in Sector 22, Chandigarh. However, it is felt that the gardens and parks of Chandigarh require special interventions to make them accessible to differently abled persons,” said a MC official.
Therefore, proposal for providing differently abled friendly infrastructure in the Rose Garden, Sector 16, and Terrace Garden, Sector 33 has been prepared to make these gardens inclusive as per harmonized guidelines and standards for Universal accessibility.
“The project aims to enhance park accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Presently, park entrances often have intricate designs that hinder access. The goal is to establish straightforward, unobstructed routes for these individuals. Changes will include modifying internal pathways and slopes for easier navigation. This effort is key to fostering inclusivity and effortless access in public areas,” said another MC official.
Under the project, the entries to the garden will be made wheelchair accessible by widening the existing pathways.
Construction of ramps with gentle gradient and appropriate slope ratios to meet accessibility standards will also be done. Handrails on both sides for support and safety purposes will be installed.
Tactile guide pathways for visually impaired specially designed to trace a clear and unobstructed route including pathways leading to bridges, gazebo, drinking water and toilet facility will be part of the upgrade.
Parking facilities by reserving/demarcating parking near the entrance gate and easy accessible pedestrian pathway leading to the entrance gate will be undertaken.
The project also includes, providing designating accessible toilets with proper signage and door with, installation of grab bars, emergency pull cords and adjustable sinks
Separate signage boards in Braille such as door, directional, informatory etc. for the visually impaired persons to obtain the information by touch will be installed.
“This will serve as a public facility and will enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities,” said one officer.