Kolkata: Wider ramps, wheelchair-friendly pathways, Braille guides and volunteers are among measures being taken up by puja organisers across Kolkata to make pandal-hopping easier for the disabled. From separate resting rooms for senior citizens to AC baby-care units, several committees are also expanding facilities to ensure visitors of all ages can enjoy the festivities comfortably.At Hazra Park and Behala Nutan Dal, organisers have replaced stairs with ramps and set up separate gates for the disabled. “There are ramps everywhere to make it wheelchair-friendly,” said club functionary Sandipan Banerjee. Sayan Deb Chatterjee, joint secretary of Hazra Park puja committee, said: “We have ensured the wooden floor does not obstruct wheelchair movement.”Baguiati Rail Pukur United Club set up resting rooms for visitors with disabilities and senior citizens on the pandal premises.“NGO NIP, which works with visually impaired people and persons with disabilities, has launched a Braille Durga Puja guide. Secretary of NIP Debajyoti Roy said, “Our aim is to encourage puja committees to create inclusive, accessible and barrier-free pandals.”The organisers will also present the Differently Abled and Senior Citizen Friendly Durgotsab Awards to recognise puja committees that make provisions for these visitors. Around 250 puja organisers are participating in the competition.SB Park in Behala Thakurpukur has set up AC baby-care units and separate resting areas for senior citizens and visitors with disabilities. “We have Braille stands to help visually impaired visitors understand the pandal’s theme,” said club president Sanjay Majumder.
