Two years back, in 2017, the Kerala government launched the barrier-free
tourism project to make all the prime tourist spots accessible and disabled
friendly in the state. Unlike many government projects that are slow
starting, the barrier-free tourism project is set to meet targets. Many
tourist locations in Kochi have already been made accessible.
The government is spending over Rs 9 crore for implementing the
project across the state. The District Tourism Promotion Council
(DTPC) of Ernakulam and the Kerala State Industrial
Enterprises (KSIE) has joined hands for the venture to make tourist
spots in Ernakulam city accessible and disabled friendly.
Currently, they have made the popular tourist spots in Fort
Kochi and Ernakulam boat jetty accessible by introducing
wheelchair ramps for a start. Marine Drive, Cherai and Munambam
beaches also have wheelchair ramps now. But as accessibility experts
and disability rights activists point out, having wheelchair ramps alone does
not make a place accessible and disabled friendly. People with all kinds of
disabilities must be able to access these tourist spots.
Accessibility for a disabled person is all about being able to become
independent. Even people with other disabilities must be able to enjoy the
place. Kerala’s barrier free tourism project is going great. Most
importantly, disabled people must make sure that they access these places.
Only then will the efforts of the government go noticed. I have heard a lot
of people from the community complain about how places are inaccessible.
Unless you have experienced how government is making places disabled
friendly, you will not know it. So spread the word about accessible places.
– Anita Iyer Narayanan, Accessibility Expert.
Officials have taken the guidance of experts to make sure that the
barrier-free tourism project is a grand success. They also plan to construct
disabled-friendly washrooms at tourist spots for which the works
are already on.
Over the years, Kerala government has been losing out on revenue from
disabled tourists. That is what prompted them to kick-start the barrier-free
tourism project. Being one of the world’s most popular tourist
destinations, this project is only going to be a new ray of hope to disabled
tourists who would love to check out ‘Gods own country’.
Mohammed Rabeeh is a part of the Idam
project that aims to make Tirur, a small town in Kerala, accessible
and disabled friendly. Though it is not a government-run project, ‘Idam’
has already been succesfull in making a few public places in the town
accessible for wheelchair users.
“The barrier-free tourism project of the Kerala government is a great
initiative. In fact, there are many disabled people who have not yet seen a
beach just because these places are not accessible. This project will help
them come out of the four walls of their homes to enjoy some great tourist
locations. They can go out for vacations or weekends with family members as
well. It will help them lead a happy and normal life”, says Rabeeh.
The government has already spent over Rs 44 lakh to implement
facilities. Reportedly, the project will be completed by 2021.
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Source: https://newzhook.com/story/21020
