Accessible Cities Initiative
Belagavi is one of 10 smart cities chosen under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and I For Humanity Foundation’s ‘Accessible Cities’ initiative. Out of 100 smart cities in India, only 10 were shortlisted for this program, part of the Smart Cities Mission.
For more details : https://pragativahini.com/accessible-citiesindias-initiativesbelagavi/
Creating Inclusive Infrastructure
The initiative focuses on developing accessible infrastructure for senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, women, and children. Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) secured this recognition by showcasing several inclusive projects. Examples include theme-based parks like Mahatma Phule Park, designed for specially-abled children, and other innovative urban designs.
National Recognition for BSCL
BSCL has received awards for its commitment to gender equality. This includes a United Nations award for Smart and Inclusive Cities initiatives. The recognition highlights BSCL’s leadership in creating accessible urban spaces.
Features of the Initiative
The ‘Accessible Cities’ initiative will focus on:
- Implementing universal accessibility guidelines in hotels, banks, ATMs, and elevators.
- Launching dedicated programs like ‘Accessible Hospitality,’ ‘Accessible Banking,’ and ‘Accessible Elevators’ to set new benchmarks for inclusivity.
- Guiding industries, including hospitality, banking, and elevator manufacturers, to adopt accessibility standards.
Aligned with the Accessible India Campaign
Launched in 2015 under the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), this initiative aims to ensure that urban spaces are inclusive and accessible for all citizens. During the launch, Honorable Minister of State, Shri Tokhan Sahu, emphasized the importance of universal design and standards to create a more equitable society.
Belagavi’s inclusion in this initiative marks a significant step forward in its journey toward becoming a truly inclusive and accessible smart city.
Read also : CM Siddaramaiah Allocates ₹10 Crore Grant for All MLAs on Makar Sankranti
