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Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently signed a MoU with Svayam, an NGO working for the promotion of inclusive and accessible infrastructure, to make major monuments in Delhi, Goa and Agra accessible and disable-friendly. Svayam was earlier involved in transforming one of the World Heritage Sites in Delhi, Qutab Minar, into an accessible monument. The effort was widely appreciated and was rewarded at the last National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
According to Abha Negi, Director, Svayam, the initial focus will be on World Heritage Sites in these places which receive maximum tourist footfalls. “Our role will be to monitor and assist the execution agency, that is ASI, as to the specifications and changes to be incorporated to make these heritage sites accessible for all types of tourists, including people with disabilities,” she informed. The sites involved are Red Fort and Humayun Tomb in Delhi; Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri in Agra; and Bom Jesus Baslica and associated convents in Goa.
“We work very closely with the agencies involved at the execution stage to make sure that they stick to international standards and specifications. The MoU makes our involvement legitimate and it is our responsibility to see that public money is not wasted,” said Sminu Jindal, Founder & Chairperson, Svayam. Svayam, in association with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Transport Department, Government of NCT of Delhi had organised a two-day seminar on Accessible Transportation and Tourism in Delhi last month. |
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