Alappuzha beach became differently abled friendly

Alappuzha became the first ‘Differently abled friendly beach’ in Kerala on 3rd December 2018, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. As part of the government’s policy to provide barrier free tourism destinations for all – ramps have been built in the beach to provide access for the differently abled visitors. The first phase of the ramps was inaugurated by S Suhas, Alappuzha District Collector.

National Health Mission, Palliative Care, District Tourism Promotion Council, Fire Force, Alappuzha Municipality, Medical Collage Students’ Union, Wheel Chair Users Association, I am for Alleppey etc., were part of the organizing committee of the event.

District Collector Suhas inaugurates the ramp

The construction works has been carrying out with Rs. 58 lakhs allotted by the State to the Alleppey district for developing basic amenities to the differently abled persons.

Wheel chairs, disabled friendly rest rooms, toilets, ramps, sign boards in braille script ect., will also be provided at the beach.

“Beaches in Mararikkulam and Thottapplly, and Punnamada boat race finishing point will also be made differently abled friendly,” said M Malin, Secretary of Alappuzha District Tourism Promotion Council, to Tourism News Live.

Differently abled persons came together from different part of the state to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, were guided to the beach through the ramp. For most of them, it was the first experience to drench their feet in the bubbling waves of the sea.

Krishna Teja, District Sub-collector ; Abdulla Asad, District Coordinator, Palliative Care; M Malin, DTPC Secretary;  Anoop S, Physiotherapist,  etc., also participates in the event.

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

This year’s theme focuses on empowering persons with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda pledges to “leave no one behind”.