Munambam Beach in Kerala all set to become disabled-friendly

As part of the Kerala government’s Barrier Free Tourism Project, many public places have been made accessible by installation of wheelchair ramps and Braille signage.

The latest to join the list is Munambam Beach in Ernakulam district. Shortly, or so authorities claim, wheelchair users can enjoy the breeze and chill out with family and friends at this beautiful beach.

A couple of days ago, District Collector K Mohammad Safirula and other officials reviewed the progress and they are said to be happy with the pace.

Anjurani Joy, an entrepreneur, singer and actor, says she can finally go to the beach on her wheelchair.

There were times when I wanted to go but could never do it due to lack of accessibility. A few months ago, I went to a beach in Alappuzha. I had to sit in the car at the main road. I could not even see the waters because of high walls. So, my father had to lift me and take me all the way to the beach. If the beach has wheelchair ramps, then more people can enjoy visiting them. – Anjurani Joy, Wheelchair user

Currently, the installation of wheelchair ramps is going on. A ramp, 10 metres long and two metres wide ramp, will be set up and this will be opened to the public. This ramp will take wheelchair users to the shore of Munambam beach where the famous Periyar River meets the sea.

Mohammed Rabeeh is a part of the Idam project that aims to make Tirur, a small town in Kerala, accessible and disabled-friendly.

“There are many disabled people who have not yet seen a beach just because these places are inaccessible. This project will help them come out of the four walls of their homes”, says Rabeeh.

This new project of making Munambam Beach accessible is supported by ESAF, UN Habitat Global Public Space Programme, District Tourism Promotion Council and Livable Cities India. Recently, officials had made Alappuzha beach disabled-friendly by installing ramps. They had even promised Braille signage for visually impaired tourists. These new initiatives by Kerala government will definitely be a blessing to disabled tourists who visit God’s own country

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