Kozhikode local bodies ordered to audit buildings for accessibility gaps

Local self-government institutions across Kozhikode district have been instructed to identify commercial and residential buildings that lack adequate accessibility facilities for persons with disabilities and to act against violations.

The direction has been issued to the secretaries of all such institutions, following a rise in complaints from disability rights activists. The audits are to be carried out after occupancy, rather than only at the plan-approval stage.

Building plans in the state are cleared only when provisions such as ramps, barrier-free access, accessible toilets, lifts and designated parking are included. Officials point out that in a number of cases these facilities are either never built or are removed later and put to other uses. Such alterations contravene the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Complaints have also been raised that accessibility provisions are not checked effectively before occupancy certificates are issued.

The post-occupancy audits are meant to confirm that the facilities required under building rules exist on the ground and remain usable.

A petitioner from Chelembra who approached the authorities cited missing ramps at main entrances, ramps that are steep or slippery, and the absence of dedicated toilets for persons with disabilities as the chief problems. In many buildings, he said, reserved parking is either not provided or is sited far from the entrance.

Under the prescribed norms, at least 3% of a parking area must be set aside for persons with disabilities, with each such bay at least 3.6 metres wide. Lodging buildings must offer one specially equipped room for every 25 rooms. Directional signs and symbols indicating facilities for persons with disabilities are also required.

There are separate demands for accessibility audits in government offices and other public buildings. Campaigns to make government offices barrier-free notwithstanding, some departments are alleged to have been lax in implementing the measures.

Activists have also protested against illegal parking in the spaces around barrier-free entrances, especially at tourist destinations, and have sought police action against violators, including heavy fines and legal proceedings.

Former building inspectors recall that inspections were stepped up in the past, with squads that included persons with disabilities monitoring compliance. Several builders within the Kozhikode Corporation limits were then asked to rebuild facilities they had demolished. In some cases, buildings found in violation were classified as unauthorised constructions and their tax liability was doubled, with occupancy certificates reissued only after the defects were set right. Both commercial and residential buildings figured among those flagged.