Most of Indore’s public buildings lack accessibility features for disabled

Indore: Significant gaps have been found in accessibility features for persons with disabilities in government offices, educational institutions, and public buildings in Indore district during an audit conducted under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.

Out of 1,125 buildings shortlisted, 29 inspection teams have surveyed 913 so far and their compiled data has revealed a critical shortage of basic infrastructure.

Approximately 40% of the surveyed structures (363 buildings) completely lack ramps, restricting independent wheelchair access. In 550 buildings that have ramps, 300 (55%) feature unsafe or non-compliant handrails.

Only 262 buildings provide on-site wheelchairs, leaving visitors in 651 complexes dependent on bringing their own equipment.

Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available in only 255 of the 913 inspected buildings, while general accessible toilets are present in 354 locations.

The inspection report also revealed a widespread deficit in specialized navigation and communication aids for visually and hearing-impaired citizens.

Just 35 buildings feature Braille information boards, leaving 96% of the complexes without tactile text options. Facilities for hearing-impaired visitors are limited to 31 structures only.

Tactile paths for spatial orientation were found in only 88 buildings, with multiple multi-storey complexes also lacking elevator access.

The evaluation showed varied progress among departments tasked with running inspections. The education department exceeded its initial targets, achieving a 103% completion rate. In contrast, Tribal Affairs Department inspected only two buildings out of its assigned target of 87.

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya completed audits for only 38 of its 85 campuses. Across the district, inspections remain pending for 311 buildings.

“Our aim is to make all government buildings disabled-friendly. All departments concerned have been instructed to make required efforts and arrangements to achieve the target,” collector Shivam Verma told TOI.