March 5, 2019
Some good news for people living in Kerala and those planning a visit. The
popular Azhikode Munakkal beach at Thrissur district has become
disabled-friendly. This is one of Kerala’s biggest beaches and a must visit
for most tourists.
Twenty six wheelchair ramps have been installed across the beach and there
are tactile paths as well making it accessible for people with vision
impairments. Entries and exits are also wider making it easy for wheelchair
users to access the beach. Over Rs 25 lakhs has been spent on
these facilities.
Sakeer Hussain, State Treasurer,
All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation (AKWRF), has been
closely involved in the entire process.
This is a great initiative by local authorities. There was a rising demand
to make Azhikode Munakkal beach disabled- friendly. Most of the work is
over and the beach has been inaugurated to public. But they are also
looking out for more features to be introduced. Wheelchair users cannot get
to the waters yet, but they can enjoy the beach. Project Manager Mahadevan
knew exactly what was needed to make it accessible. He has done a great
job. – Sakeer Hussain, State Treasurer, AKWRF
Last year, the Kerala government had introduced the Barrier Free
project to make all prominent tourist attractions disabled-friendly
and accessible. Azhikode Munakkal beach was a part of this and the work has
been done by the District Tourism Promotion Council.
The paths are been made 330 metres wide so that wheelchair users
can move around freely. There are disabled-friendly kiosks and
washrooms as well. Wheelchair users who plan to come in their own car will
have exclusive parking spaces too.
Biju Paul, Executive Member, AKWRF lives
close to the beach and is happy about the accessibility upgrade.
“The government had provided wheelchair users with facilities only to go to
places like hospitals. Most tourist places are inaccessible but now more
people can enjoy the beach and breeze”.
ALSO READ: Big win for disability groups as Kerala buses become accessible
for wheelchair users
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/21570
