There's no way ahead for wheelchair users at Marina
A similar incident occured in 2024 and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) acted only after repeated public outcry.
These wooden ramps, which are supposed to provide access to the beach for wheelchair users and senior citizens, are a a part of GCC's efforts to promote inclusive public infrastructure. However, they remain frequently unusable and instead of a permanant fix, the civic body carries out temporary repairs that do not last.
"The wooden ramp was constructed as per CRZ guidelines. But the work is so shabby that it gets damaged easily," said S Namburajan, working president of National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled.
"The ramp doesn't even have a roof. Govt treats this initiative as charity, rather than a right that must be upheld," he said.
People with disabilities complain of broken wooden planks and sand accumulation on the ramp.
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"GCC is focused on improving facilities to attract tourists under the Blue Flag beach project. The pathway constructed for people with disabilities is neglected," said S Vaishnavi, a wheelchair user who visited Marina Beach.
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"When we visited the beach, the ramp was damaged. Our wheelchair could not move forward. Differently abled people are not always aware of such damage in advance, they come all the way to the beach for some fresh air. We return without enjoying the visit," she said.
A senior GCC official said that a major revamp will be carried out on the wooden ramp at Marina Beach at an estimated cost of 85 lakh. The work is expected to begin shortly.
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