Work Commences on the Disabled-Friendly Infrastructure Project Commences at Fragrance Garden, Sector 36

Work Commences on the Disabled-Friendly Infrastructure Project Commences at Fragrance Garden, Sector 36

Chandigarh 18 June ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : In a significant step towards making Chandigarh more inclusive and accessible, the Horticulture Department of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today commenced work on the development of the Disabled-Friendly Infrastructure Project at Fragrance Garden, Sector 36. The project was inaugurated with a traditional coconut-breaking ceremony in the presence of former Senior Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Ward No. 24, Jasbir Singh Bunty, whose efforts played a key role in bringing the project to the area. The project aims to make the garden fully accessible for persons with disabilities, visually impaired individuals, senior citizens, and all visitors by creating a barrier-free environment and providing inclusive public amenities.

On the occasion, SDO Himanshu Kumar presented the project layout and explained its key features. Addressing the gathering, Councillor Jasbir Singh Bunty stated that a one-foot-wide yellow tactile pathway will be installed along the walking track to assist visually impaired persons in navigating the garden independently and safely. The jogging track will also be upgraded to make it disabled-friendly, ensuring smooth movement for wheelchair users and other specially-abled visitors. He further informed that ramps will be constructed at various locations, including the stage area, so that differently-abled persons, visually impaired individuals, and senior citizens can access all facilities without difficulty. Directional signboards and Braille signage will also be installed throughout the garden to facilitate easy movement and navigation.

As part of the project, modern accessible toilets will be constructed and specially designed for persons with disabilities, visually impaired visitors, and transgender individuals. In addition, a new drinking water facility will be installed at the entrance of the garden, and ramps will be provided to ensure hassle-free access for all visitors.

Key Features of the Project:

- Reserved parking facilities for specially-abled persons.

- Barrier-free pathways throughout the garden.

- Tactile guiding paths for visually impaired visitors.

- Disabled-friendly toilets with improved accessibility features.

- Directional and Braille signages.

- Multi-language Braille evacuation maps.

- Drinking water facilities.

- Ramps and other accessibility improvements at key locations.

Councillor Jasbir Singh Bunty expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner, Chief Engineer, Horticulture Department, and officers of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh for approving and initiating this important project. He stated that the initiative would greatly benefit persons with disabilities and visually impaired citizens and would serve as an example for the development of inclusive public spaces across the city.

The work was formally inaugurated by Paramjeet Singh, President of RWA Sector 36-B, who performed the coconut-breaking ceremony. Among those present on the occasion were Dinesh Kumar Kapila (President, Sector 36-D), Arun Agarwal (President, Sector 36-C), Rakesh Saluja (Vice President, Sector 36-A), Raj Kumar Sharma, and several prominent residents and social workers from the area. Speaking on the occasion, Raj Kumar Sharma thanked Councillor Jasbir Singh Bunty and the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh for initiating this unique project. He described it as a progressive and visionary initiative that will improve accessibility and enhance the quality of life for all sections of society.

Dinesh Kumar Kapila, Chairman, Institute for The Blind, Sector 26 commended this major initiative of the Administration, Municipal Corporation and the efforts of Jasbir Singh Bunty. This was a major step for inclusivity. The project marks an important step towards developing more accessible and citizen-friendly public spaces in Chandigarh and is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parks and public areas across the city.