‘Hold discussion on new accessibility structure for the disabled at Marina’

As access to the Marina was reportedly disrupted for persons with disabilities after the removal of a wooden ramp, activists have demanded that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) convene a meeting to discuss design elements for the new strucutre proposed to replace it. 

The activists have also called for inputs from architects and a forensic review of the damaged ramp.

Gnana Bharathi, founder of Spinal Injured Persons Association, said measures should be taken to prevent wheelchairs from toppling over from the new facility.

Corrective measures

Disability rights activist T.M.N. Deepak said the GCC should analyse the reasons for the damage to the old ramp in the presence of technical experts to take corrective measures.

The Disability Rights Alliance (DRA) has submitted a letter to the GCC, demanding a forensic review to understand why the structure, designed to last 30 years, was damaged in three years.

Vaishnavi Jayakumar of the alliance said: “From the very start, a decade ago, beach accessibility has been about making diverse groups reach the waters as independently as possible. Railings for ambulant beachgoers with reduced mobility are as much a non-negotiable as safe wheelchair access.”

“While beach mats are useful to connect short stretches, accessible mats, with a suitable traction tread for wheelchair users, are not yet available in India. Furthermore, there is no comparison for Indian use between the original boardwalk and beach matting. So, it all boils down to the choice of Coastal Regulation Zone-compliant material,” she said. “We have recommended that a committee explore options and challenges before finalising the same”, Ms. Jayakumar said.

The DRA also demands that long-pending accessibility needs, apart from the beach access path, be addressed on priority. An agency for security and support is key, as is a built-in component of 5-10 years AMC for constructing contractors,” she added.