DESPITE
the state government's stringent guidelines to ensure the physically
challenged have access to basic infrastructure facilities, a recent
accident has brought to fore how even plush showrooms in the city
blatantly disregard these norms.
Earlier this month, Malini Chib, 47, who suffers from cerebral palsy, had gone to Westside at Fort. She wanted to visit the women's apparel section on the first floor. With no elevator or a ramp, she and her friend took the escalator. Both met with an accident, with Chib suffering cuts and bruises on her shoulder, waist and arms. Her friend suffered back injury.
"In all accessibility guidelines, it is a rule that staircases be located adjacent to the escalator if that is the primary means of transport between floors. It may also be necessary to provide an elevator next to an escalator for wheelchairs and disabled people," said Chib's mother Mithu Alur, who is the founder-chairperson of Spastics Society of India (now known as ADAPT).
"Since none of these facilities was available, Malini was forced to use the escalator. Westside's callous attitude is only a reflection of other buildings in south Mumbai. While making money, these stores should also think of client welfare," Alur said.
A Westside spokesperson said, "Our stores are located inside malls, which are better equipped with facilities for the disabled. The store at Kala Ghoda is housed in a heritage building. We will consult with our advisors on how we can accommodate the right facilities."
Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee chairman V Ranganathan said it is not difficult to make alterations inside heritage buildings. "If and when they make an application to the heritage committee, we will fast-track it on humanitarian grounds," he said.
According to the 1995 Persons with Disability Act, all public places should be accessible to people with disabilities, including those on wheelchairs.
Source : The Indian Express , 14th May 2013
Earlier this month, Malini Chib, 47, who suffers from cerebral palsy, had gone to Westside at Fort. She wanted to visit the women's apparel section on the first floor. With no elevator or a ramp, she and her friend took the escalator. Both met with an accident, with Chib suffering cuts and bruises on her shoulder, waist and arms. Her friend suffered back injury.
"In all accessibility guidelines, it is a rule that staircases be located adjacent to the escalator if that is the primary means of transport between floors. It may also be necessary to provide an elevator next to an escalator for wheelchairs and disabled people," said Chib's mother Mithu Alur, who is the founder-chairperson of Spastics Society of India (now known as ADAPT).
"Since none of these facilities was available, Malini was forced to use the escalator. Westside's callous attitude is only a reflection of other buildings in south Mumbai. While making money, these stores should also think of client welfare," Alur said.
A Westside spokesperson said, "Our stores are located inside malls, which are better equipped with facilities for the disabled. The store at Kala Ghoda is housed in a heritage building. We will consult with our advisors on how we can accommodate the right facilities."
Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee chairman V Ranganathan said it is not difficult to make alterations inside heritage buildings. "If and when they make an application to the heritage committee, we will fast-track it on humanitarian grounds," he said.
According to the 1995 Persons with Disability Act, all public places should be accessible to people with disabilities, including those on wheelchairs.
Source : The Indian Express , 14th May 2013
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