Belagavi: On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in partnership with the I for Humanity Foundation under its flagship Smart Cities Mission, unveiled the ‘Accessible Cities’ initiative. This program aims to create inclusive and accessible urban spaces for diverse user groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and children.
Among the 100 smart cities under the mission, 10 cities have been selected for this initiative, with Belagavi being one of them. The selection was based on proposals submitted in August-September 2024, detailing the accomplishments and plans of these cities. Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) played a pivotal role, with projects such as the Mahatma Phule Garden for Specially Abled Children and gender equality initiatives earning the United Nations – Smart Solution & Inclusive Cities award.
The initiative will incorporate universal accessibility standards across sectors to enhance quality of life for persons with disabilities. Key components include:
- Accessible Hospitality: Guidelines for hotels to ensure inclusivity.
- Accessible Banking: Adaptations in bank branches and ATMs for universal access.
- Accessible Elevators: Standards for elevators to cater to diverse needs.
In the first phase, the shortlisted cities include Chandigarh, Sagar, Satna, Jabalpur, Dehradun, Belagavi, Pune, Raipur, Lucknow, and Varanasi.
This transformative step underscores India’s commitment to creating inclusive urban environments and empowering marginalized groups.
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