What is the main difference between a Developing Nation and a Socially Developed Nation? Yes, economic stability and citizens centric approach are the main aspects however, accessibility and inclusiveness are also equally important.
On one hand it’s easy to complain about the policies and infrastructure however it is equally important that, as concerned citizens we need to highlight, share and get things done from the concerned authorities, departments or people.
Spatial Planning may sound alien in our dictionary but then there is enough information about accessibility planning and guidelines.
The larger point of debate is, how many States, Departments and Agencies actually follow the guidelines?
Since the time Metro Rail and Low Floor buses were started to give an opportunity to people with special needs, I have not seen a single person on a wheelchair using public transport.
In such cases do we blame the transportation department or identify the hurdles which are stopping our cities, towns and villages from becoming accessible?
Unlike the developed countries where a person on a wheelchair or using any other assisted device can independently roam around in the city, but then in India, entering a bus stop, metro or railway station is practically impossible because the roads and curbs are not integrated in the correct alignment.
Spatial Planning, be it for children, young and the so called Old requires a collective and collaborative approach, the Public Works Department has to work alongside the Public Transportation Department, Town and Country Planning Department etc otherwise we can have the best of the facilities but then people with special needs will never be able to use them.
Be it the Public Parks, Restaurants, Malls, Offices or other Residential and Community Facilities, if they are not accessible to even enter then all the information and knowledge is of no use.
In a recent Session with the Masters of Design students at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, I had shared a few slides on Spatial Planning, sharing the first slide on how and where Older People move around in their daily lives.
Pankaj Mehrotra
