Srinagar, May 11: Under theinitiative of Smart City Project, Srinagar is taking steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible city for visually impaired pedestrians. In a commendable initiative, the authorities have installed tactile paving in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, facilitating safe and independent mobility for the visually impaired.
According to a smart city official, the tactile paving has been laid out in the Polo View market and other areas of Lal Chowk, where walking space has been designated for pedestrians. The visually impaired community has praised this initiative, stating that it will make their daily commute safer and more convenient.
The installation of tactile paving in public spaces is not new, but it is usually limited to airports and related areas. However, for the first time, the government has extended this facility to the markets and roads of Lal Chowk, making it a model for other cities to follow.
Visually impaired individuals such as Abrar Ahmad have expressed gratitude for the tactile paving, stating that it will enable him and others to walk on the roadsides without any support. Ahmad further suggested that this initiative should be implemented in all districts, and poles on the roadsides should be removed for the well-being of the visually impaired.
Local youth have also welcomed this initiative, stating that the tactile paving has been used in Srinagar wherever the smart city projects have taken place. They believe that this will guide the visually impaired community to walk safely on the roadside, and it should be implemented in all public spaces.
The implementation of tactile paving in Lal Chowk is a positive step towards making Srinagar a more inclusive and accessible city. This initiative will not only benefit the visually impaired but also raise awareness about the importance of creating barrier-free environments for people with disabilities. We hope that other cities will follow suit and take similar steps towards creating a more inclusive society.
It is worth noting that Srinagar is undergoing a major revamp, with efforts to remove electricity wires and cables and develop cycle tracks for the benefit of the common people. The implementation of tactile paving in Lal Chowk is the latest example of these efforts.
