SCPD recommends renovation of all bus terminals in state

DIMAPUR — The Court of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) has strongly recommended renovation of the present ISBT in Kohima as well as all other bus terminals within the State of Nagaland.

The SCPD court in an order dated May 25, 3023, recommended the State respondents including the Secretary and General Manager of Nagaland State Transport, to provide basic facilities in consonance with the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021.

The order comes against the backdrop of the joint inspection and verification earlier conducted at ISBT Kohima on April 21, 2023, by SCPD, the State respondents, Nagaland State Disability Forum, along representatives from the press and media.

Thereafter, SCPD initiated a suo moto case and came up with the recommendations.

The SCPD recommendations include:

a) To construct permanent ramps and railings as per the standards provided under the Guidelines. Lifts must be provided where necessary.

b) Install help-desks manned by qualified personnel during all workings days and hours which should cater to persons with disabilities.

c) Accessible ticket counters must be provided taking into account height, reach and sight-line requirements to accommodate the physical differences between all users.

d) Ensure that separate accessible toilet facilities are provided with sufficient space to accommodate assistive devices, non-slip flooring with basic amenities and fixtures such as grab bars, hand rails, safety frames, etc. e) Ensure that the overall premises, including the boarding areas, are paved and made accessible and friendly for persons with disabilities. Tactile guiding paths should be provided from the parking bays to the terminal building, as well as to various sections inside the terminal building.

f) Ensure that there is sufficient easy-to-read and understand signages and reserved parking space/areas for persons with disabilities.

g) Ensure that free travel facilities provided to all bonafide persons with disabilities in all NST buses be publicised along with how and where to avail the said pass.

h) Construct proper resting areas and lounges within the terminals and sitting areas surrounding the premises.

i) The State respondents must come up with a solution as to whether to re- modify the existing “modified buses” or to purchase new accessible buses that are already equipped with ramps/hydraulic lifts/spaces for placement of wheelchairs, etc.

j) To ensure that all new bus terminals under construction are also in compliance with basic accessibility standards as per the Harmonised Guidelines.

k) Further, sensitisation workshops must be conducted for all NST staff/personnel to ensure better understanding of the challenges/needs of disabled travellers and how to interact and provide proper support.

SCPD Diethono Nakhro in the order stated that being a Welfare State, the State respondents must inculcate the feeling of oneness and include the minority communities in all aspects.

“Once the Harmonised Guidelines and the above mentioned directions are strictly adhered to and made visible, it would naturally bring about a change in the mindset and approach of the people towards persons with disabilities and at the same time give a sense of independence and dignity to persons with disabilities who will be utilising these facilities.

“This itself will help to further empower persons with disabilities and foster inclusion and equality in our society,” it stated.

The State respondents have been given three months’ time to complete the recommended directives and thereafter submit an Action Taken Report to the Court on or before August 25, 2023.