Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Accessibility
  • Minister Hardeep Puri responds to social media criticism regarding inaccessible Delhi skywalk, promises quick action

Minister Hardeep Puri responds to social media criticism regarding inaccessible Delhi skywalk, promises quick action

Accessibility October 30, 2018
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

In a country notorious for official apathy, here is an instance of a successful advocacy campaign that will bring cheer to many.

Starting 26 October, in a series of tweets, noted disability rights leader Dr Satendra Singh highlighted the many ways in which an important skywalk built at the Tilak bridge intersection in New Delhi at a cost of nearly Rs 55 crore was completely inaccessible to wheelchair users. From barriers at the entry point and even at the footpath, the newly minted structure is a classic example of what an accessible public facility should NOT look like.

Calling the entire exercise a “mockery of inclusion,” Dr Singh also mentioned that there were no lifts at important intersections and the gradient is steep too. The tweets were marked to Hardeep Puri, Union Minister of State, Urban Development.

At the launch, @HardeepSPuri , @MoHUA_India said, “Considering the importance, the design of the skywalk should be unique, highly functional & aesthetic & should be recognised as one of the landmarks of Delhi.” Certainly but NOT by ignoring people with disabilities. ..What was needed was COMMON SENSE and universal design. – Dr Satendra Singh, Disability rights leader

The tweets were met with a chorus of support from disability rights leaders from across India.

Akhil Paul, Founder-Director, Sense International (India), an organization that works with deafblind people, said, “What’s happening to all the concepts and hype on “smart cities”… this is what happens when we go for slogans and never internalize!”, while Jomi John Joseph, of the All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation called it ,”Condemnable.”

Stung by the criticism, Minister Puri responded quickly and has promised to make the skywalk accessible as per universal design guidelines in a week’s time.

On Tuesday, he tweeted that he had raised the issue with the Public World Department and the matter would be addressed quickly.

“While elevators have been provided at all points of entry & exit, we will also ensure access ramps for the place you have kindly pointed out. have already raised this issue with the Chief Engineer of PWD. The ramps to provide easy access from road to elevators at the Skywalk will be provided within this week itself wherever these are missing or not properly provided.”

An instance of how social media can be used to mobilize public support and draw attention to an issue of genuine public interest.

Watch in Sign Language

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature disability stories or share disability news with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Get-hooked

Organic farmer with 90% disability cares for disabled children & those affected by the pandemic

Accessibility

Toybank - Development through Play is enabling disabled kids to discover the power of play

Get-hooked

Understanding weighted blankets

Get-hooked

Understanding Pain Awareness

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.