Athirappilly is a famous tourist location in Kerala. But the place is
inaccessible for wheelchair users and not disabled friendly at all.
Wheelchair users who visit the place are forced to return back due to
inaccessibility. Disability rights groups are demanding speedy action of
wheelchair ramps and path installations in this famous tourist
location.
Any tourist who visits Kerala, wouldn’t miss Athirappilly, a
beautiful place located at Thrissur district. The serene greens and charming
waterfalls are not to be missed. But like most tourist locations across
India, this one too remains inaccessible for wheelchair users
who are now denied the right of enjoying this beautiful place. Disability
rights activists from across Kerala are now coming together to raise this
concern and get a solution so that more wheelchair users can visit
Athirappilly without hassles.
Manav* (name has been changed) a wheelchair user from
Bengaluru arrived at Athirappilly with his family after hearing about its
beauty. But soon after reaching the entrance, he had to stop because he could
not join his family to check out the waterfalls. This is not an isolated
case. Many wheelchair users are forced to return back like Manav. There are
no wheelchairs or ramps at this most popular tourist destination in the
state. Since the place is filled with rocks, a normal or electric wheelchair
cannot be used here.
Rajesh S, a wheelchair user from
Trivandrum, recently happened to visit Athirappilly with his family. He says
he regrets the decision.
Since the place is rocky, a wheelchair clearly cannot go there. There are
many ups and downs because it is a hilly area making it even more
difficult. It is high time the government installs wheelchair paths and
ramps. That is our right. Currently, the place is not wheelchair friendly
at all. If they make it accessible, then we can also enjoy the beauty of
Athirappilly-Rajesh S, Wheelchair User.
Since the holiday season is round the corner, a large number of tourists are
expected to visit the area, and it includes tourists with disabilities too.
Reportedly, officials are gearing up to make the place disabled friendly.
Thumburmuzhy gardens and the nearby bridge are all set to be
made wheelchair friendly and the works are currently going on. A few other
projects have also been lined up.
“Thrissur district, where Athirappilly is located, was supposed to be made
disabled friendly according to government project and rules. It is such a
beautiful place and even wheelchair users must be able to enjoy it to the
fullest. It gives us immense joy and happiness to visit such a place. But
getting to that side is impossible. The government must step up to make it
accessible and disabled friendly”, says Lys Bin Muhammad, President,
All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation.
Also Read: Kerala government’s barrier-free tourism project reaches halfway
mark
