Mokokchung, 30 January (MTNews): The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Nagaland conducted an Accessibility Audit Inspection of the newly constructed and inaugurated VVIP Guest House at Chümoukedima, Nagaland was conducted on 17 November 2023 as mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and standards prescribed by the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universally Accessibility in India 2021.
Following the inspection, SCPD Diethono Nakhro, while observing the non-compliance of accessibility standards in various areas of the building, has in an Order made several recommendations to be implemented. Three months’ time has been given to complete the directions and submit an Action Taken Report to the SCPD Court on or before 29 April 2024.
The ‘Recommendations’ made by the SCPD Court included the following:
Entrance
A ramp must be constructed at the main entrance with hand railings for support. Currently, ramp access into the building was found constructed at the back of the building which essentially means all persons with disabilities who use assistive aids, such as wheelchairs, can enter the building only through the back entrance which is highly discriminatory. The ramp should be vetted with the concerned authority to ensure that it complies with accessibility standards as per the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021, which includes proper gradient, surface continuity, width, etc.
Doorways
All doorways to rooms which serve as common areas, such as the dining room, must be made wider. Further, toilet doorways must be made wider in the common areas so that it is easily accessible for all.
Toilets/utilities
Not even a single accessible toilet was found available in the entire building. It was recommended that one accessible/priority toilet with all necessary fixtures such as grab bars, railings, washbasin at appropriate level, etc., must be made available at the ground floor/lobby area of the building. The barriers (water stoppers) at the toilet doors must be done away with as this creates a big hindrance and difficulty not only for persons with disabilities but also for senior citizens with reduced mobility. Front Desk/Reception area must be made accessible as per the standards prescribed under the Guidelines.
Elevator/lift
The recommendations included converting at least one elevator/lift as per the standards and specifications prescribed under the Guidelines should be considered. “Maintenance crew should be made available for maintenance of the lifts. It should be understood that this pertains to serious safety concerns,” it added.
Signage
Accessible signage and way-finding maps should be made available at strategic points, including raised or tactile letters, high contrast colours, and Braille or tactile symbols. Tactile guiding paths and colour contrast on staircases should be provided throughout the building. Signage should also be provided for evacuation plans and exit routes in case of emergencies.
Accessible room/suite
At least one room/suite on each floor must be made fully accessible for persons with disabilities by installing all necessary facilities, which includes furnishings, fixtures such as accessible door handles, switch boards, faucets, hand railings, grab bars, shower seat and/or removing all barriers which may hamper free movement for a person with disability.
The standards as prescribed by the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021 must be followed and implemented strictly.
It was learnt that the VVIP Guest House at Chümoukedima, Nagaland, has not been officially handed over to the concerned department as the building is not yet completed. Hence, the SCPD has directed that all necessary renovations and retrofitting must be carried out to make the entire building barrier free and accessible for all citizens as mandated under the Act before handing over.