The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Diethono Nakhro, has issued an Order to the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, to ensure that all accessibility norms and standards are strictly adhered to as Kisama Heritage Village undergoes a complete revamp ahead of the 25th year edition of the Hornbill Festival.

This Order follows a Suo Motu Inquiry and Inspection of the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, by the SCPD.

It stated: “The users of accessibility facilities comprise a diverse group, including not only persons with disabilities but also elderly individuals, children, people with health conditions, and other vulnerable groups such as expectant mothers and families with young children. These facilities cater to a wide range of needs, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Therefore, it is essential to make our public spaces inclusive for all groups of people as mentioned above, creating a safe and secure environment where everyone can move independently and enjoy the same quality of life as others. Accessibility standards must be universally designed to meet the needs of all individuals.”

The recommendations issued by the SCPD Court to the Tourism Department are as follows:

a) Reserved Parking Space:

Reserved parking spaces for persons with disabilities (PwDs) must be made available closest to the main entrance of the Naga Heritage Village

b) Drop off and Pick up Points:

A designated safe area should be established within the Village for drop-off and pick-up for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with limited mobility.

c) Main Arena, Stage, VIP/Spectator Galleries:

i. The main arena, performance stage, VIP and spectator galleries must be made accessible by providing ramps, pathways and lifts/vertical platform lifts wherever necessary.

ii. Accessible seating options, including wheelchair user areas, must be provided in the VIP and spectator galleries. It must be understood that not all disabled people require amenity seating or wheelchair-user viewing areas. It is therefore important to ensure an appropriate level of standard easy-access seating is available throughout the arena, including the VIP areas.

iii. The performance stage, green rooms and dressing rooms must all be made accessible.

iv. Other ongoing constructions:

It must be ensured that all other ongoing constructions in the Village, including the Bamboo Pavilion, strictly adhere to established accessibility norms and provisions. This includes ensuring that all structures are fully accessible to persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and other vulnerable groups, in compliance with the standards prescribed under the Guidelines.

e) Ramps, Lifts and Pathways:

i. The existing ramp at the Heritage Bamboo Hall and new ramp installed at the renovated adjoining rooms must be rectified on priority by improving the gradient, width, attachment of hand railings and installation of non-slip tiles.

ii. Ramps and pathways with surface continuity, connecting different ground levels must be provided wherever necessary – both outdoors and indoors.

iii. The gradient, size and surface of the ramps must be constructed as per the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021.

iv. The ramps and pathways should be barrier free. There should be no obstructions such as water pipes, drainages, potted plants, etc over the ramps and pathways

v. Places where construction of ramps becomes impossible, lift facility must be provided. There is a wide range of lifts available such as conventional lifts, stair-lifts, vertical platform lifts, etc. for both outdoors as well as indoors which may be considered as per the requirement.

vi. During installation of lifts, the specifications provided under the Guidelines for universal accessibility must be adhered to in toto.

v. Tactile guiding pathways and colour contrast on staircases should be provided throughout.

vi. As with all machineries, breakdowns and malfunctions occur with lift systems as well. As such, Service/Maintenance crew should be made available for maintenance of the lifts. It should be understood that this also pertains to serious safety concerns.

f) Toilets/Utilities:

While an accessible toilet block has been provided in one corner of the Village, this arrangement is neither efficient nor sufficient. Accessible toilets should be made available at regular points throughout the Village to ensure convenient access for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. This will enhance their mobility and comfort, allowing them to fully participate in and enjoy the activities within the grounds.

i. Provision of an accessible toilet or at least 2 (two) unisex accessible toilets in a cluster of every 4-5 Tribal Houses/Morungs and blocks must be considered.

ii. All buildings must have at least 1 (one) accessible toilet. Necessary directives must be issued by the respondents to the concerned departments/agencies to this effect.

iii. The accessible toilets and utilities must be constructed as per the specifications provided by the Guidelines which include the various heights for installation of washbasins, grab-bars, knee space, faucets, mirror, toilet accessories, type of doors handles, doors size, ramp gradient etc.

g) Accessible Signage:

Good, frequent signage benefits everyone. However, clear and frequent signage is especially important to disabled people, particularly for people with low vision and blind people, people with learning difficulties and hard of hearing and deaf people, some of whom may have difficulty asking for directions and finding their way. A well-coordinated, consistent approach to signage should, therefore, be adopted and followed throughout the premises.

Directional signage and way-finding maps should include raised or tactile letters, high contrast colours, and Braille or tactile symbols. Signage should also be provided for evacuation plans and exit routes in case of emergencies.

h) A disability Help Desk should be provided at a strategic location.