Svayam to make Jallianwala Bagh ''barrier-free''

Chandigarh, Apr 18 (UNI) An NGO has launched a unique initiative in association with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to make the heritage site of Jallianwala Bagh accessible to all on the occasion of 'World Heritage Day' and to commemorate the 89th year of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Sminu Jindal, founder of the NGO Svayam, which works in making public infrastructure accessible to the reduced mobility populace especially elderly, women in confinement, children and disabled, announced today that it has undertaken an access audit and recommended measures to ITDC for providing and ensuring accessibility in Jallianwala Bagh complex.

Svayam has been working with government agencies and civic bodies to ensure that the public infrastructure of the country finally moves towards a truly inclusive environment,'' said Abha Negi, Director, Svayam.

Svayam Team accompanied the ITDC officials to conduct an 'Access Audit' to identify the access issues at hand, develop a strategy to plug those issues and provide solutions to make the site accessible as per international standards of accessibility and inclusive environment under ITDC's revitalisation initiative of Jallianwala Bagh, she said.

R K Safaya, Senior vice president (Engineering) ITDC said, the Corporation ''stands committed to extend full support and cooperation to make this a complete success. The monument salutes the spirit of patriotism and making Jallianwala Bagh accessible to all is an effort to welcome visitors with diverse needs and will promote an inclusive environment for all.'' Svayam has been closely working with the ASI to make the heritage sites accessible to people with reduced mobility wherein it has conducted access audit of Qutab Minar.

The report with recommendations was shared with the ASI, which accepted the same and was under various stages of implementation.

The ASI has further invited Svayam to help them understand and make some of the world heritage sites in Delhi, Agra and Goa barrier-free.

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