Prayagraj's Landmark Sports Infrastructure Upgrade for Inclusive Accessibility
The historic city of Prayagraj, often referred to as the Sangam city, is witnessing a transformative development in its sports infrastructure. Two of its premier sporting venues—the Madan Mohan Malaviya Stadium and the Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex—are undergoing comprehensive upgrades to become fully accessible for differently-abled athletes. This initiative represents a significant stride toward fostering inclusivity and equal participation in sports across the region.
Substantial Funding Under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
Under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the Accessible India Campaign, a total of over Rs 4.1 crore has been sanctioned for this ambitious project. The campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, aims to create a barrier-free environment for divyangjans. District officials have confirmed that the allocation includes over Rs 1.98 crore dedicated to the Madan Mohan Malaviya Stadium and Rs 2.14 crore for the Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex.
The Uttar Pradesh Rajya Nirman Sahkari Sangh Ltd, functioning as the Rajkiya Nirman Agency, has been entrusted with the execution of these upgrades. This move underscores the government's commitment to enhancing accessibility and promoting self-reliance among differently-abled individuals.
Comprehensive Accessibility Features Implemented
District Differently-Abled Empowerment Officer Ashok Kumar Gautam outlined the extensive upgrades planned for both facilities. These enhancements are designed to ensure seamless access and usability for all athletes, regardless of physical abilities. Key features include:
- Construction of wheelchair-accessible ramps to facilitate easy movement throughout the complexes.
- Installation of tactile tiles to assist visually impaired individuals in navigation.
- Stainless steel railings for added safety and support.
- Removal of physical barriers that previously hindered access.
- Specially designed toilets to accommodate diverse needs.
- Installation of lifts for vertical mobility.
- Audio-visual signage to provide clear, accessible information.
Once these upgrades are completed, the renovated sports complexes are expected to dramatically improve accessibility and create new participation opportunities for differently-abled athletes in Prayagraj and surrounding areas. Officials emphasize that this initiative aligns with broader goals of developing inclusive infrastructure, potentially positioning Prayagraj as a leading accessible sports hub in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Broader Statewide Efforts for Inclusivity
This project is part of a larger, statewide push to strengthen inclusivity across various sectors in Uttar Pradesh. In line with the vision of a 'Sugamya Bharat' or Accessible India, multiple initiatives have been launched to enhance digital, educational, physical, and administrative infrastructure for divyangjans.
Significant steps include directives to the IT and Electronics Department to make all government websites accessible for differently-abled users. To date, 44 official websites have been redesigned to meet prescribed accessibility standards, ensuring that digital services are inclusive and user-friendly.
In the education sector, a detailed survey of differently-abled children has been mandated during school-merging processes. This ensures that alternative arrangements are made to guarantee uninterrupted access to education. Additionally, ramps have been constructed in numerous primary schools, making campuses wheelchair-friendly and improving mobility for children with special needs.
The government has further directed all universities in Uttar Pradesh to adopt inclusive practices. Notably, Dr. Shakuntala Mishra Rehabilitation University in Lucknow and Jagadguru Shri Ram Bhadracharya Divyang University in Chitrakoot have been identified as model institutions for their exemplary inclusive infrastructure and practices.
These collective efforts highlight a comprehensive approach to empowerment and accessibility, reinforcing the commitment to creating an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life.
