An Accessibility Audit Inspection of the newly constructed and inaugurated VVIP Guest House at Chümoukedima, Nagaland was conducted on January 17 as mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) team was led by Disability Commissioner Diethono Nakhro while the Police Department was represented by Aaron Patton, Comdt 1 NAP Bn, along with the Engineers, Police Project, mentioned a press release issued by the SCPD.
While observing the non-compliance of accessibility standards in various areas of the building, SCPD Diethono Nakhro, has in an Order made the following Recommendations to be implemented. Three months-time has been given to complete the directions and submit an Action Taken Report to the SCPD Court.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) 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.
2. DOORWAYS:
(i) All doorways to rooms which serve as common areas, such as the dining room, must be made wider.
(ii) Toilet doorways must be made wider in the common areas so that it is easily accessible for all.
2) TOILETS/UTILITIES:
Not even a single accessible toilet was found available in the entire building.
(i) 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.
(ii) 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.
(iii) ront Desk/Reception area must be made accessible as per the standards prescribed under the Guidelines.
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3. ELEVATOR/LIFT:
(i) Converting at least one elevator/lift as per the standards and specifications prescribed under the Guidelines should be considered.
(ii) Maintenance crew should be made available for maintenance of the lifts. It should be understood that this pertains to serious safety concerns.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The standards as prescribed by the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021 must be followed and implemented strictly.
The press release further informed 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 be carried out to make the entire building barrier free and accessible for all citizens as mandated under the Act before handing over.
