Memo with directions

Soa., 't)b-

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KAF.NATAKA AT BANGALORE

W.P. No. 13731 12013

BETWEEN:

Jenny Pinto and Anr.

AND

State of Karnataka and Ors

... PETITIONERS

... RESPONDENTS

MEMO WITH DIRECTIONS SOUGHT FOR BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1O

FOR IMPROVING THE EXISTING FOOTPATHS

The Respondent No. 10 most respectfully submits that in addition to the

measures listed by the Petitioner, tlre Respondent BBMP be directed to take

the following steps in improving thq existing footpaths in the city:

Ensure that there are curb cuts and slopes made in pavements for easy

access of wheel chair users;

Kerb Heiqhts: Maximum height of a pavement (including kerb; walking

surface, top-of-paving) shall not exceed 150 mm from the road levet,

which is the standard anthropometric height of a public step/riser.

(National Road Congress Guidelines)

Kerb Ramos: Kerb ramps are required for a smooth transition, to

overcome changes in level between the footpath and road carriageway, at

each pedestrian crossing on opposite sides of the street and in the vicinity

of building entrances. Absence of kerb ramps prevents .persons with

disabilities and reduced mobility from crossing streets. Tactile warning

strips to be provided on the kerb side egde of the slope, so that persons

with vision impairment do not accidentally walk on the road. (NRC

Guidelines)

Tactile Pavers: Persons with vision impairment need guidance in using a

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where the usual guidance given by the edge of the footpath or building

base is not available, or when pedestrians need guidance around

obstacles. lt is important thai, whichever tactile pavers are used for

guiding or warning, they should be used consistently to avoid confusion.

The different texture can be followed by people using a long or white cane

and can also be detected underfoot by others with low vision. (NRC

Guidelines)

5. Level chanqes: A ramp or series of slopes should be integrated into the

level change to facilitate wheelchair users or pram/buggies and bi-cycles.

Footpath width: Footpaths should be at least 1800 mm wide in order to

accommodate wheelchair users and persons with vision impairments

assisted by a sighted person or a guide dog. The full width of footpath

should be maintained consistently, even behind bus shelters and in front

of shops. (National Road Congress Guidelines)

Warninq Blocks: Have warning blocks installed next to all entry and exit

points from the pathway. (Manual on Planning a Barrier Free Environment

in 2001 issued by the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with

Disabilities)

8. A Safety Road Auditor to have a member with disability to conduct an

access audit.

It is submitted that unless the refurbishment of the existing footpaths is done as

the per the Guidelines of the lndian Road Congress which are national guidelines

and the guidelines of the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with

Disabilities, the footpaths and pavements are not going to be accessible at all for

persns with disabilities. lf the footpaths are made accessible as per these

standards, it is not only the persons with disabilities who will benefit, but also

senior citizens, children, pregnant women, people using prams for children and

others who will be able to access footpaths and pavements.

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Place: Bangalorett

Date: L tll I lV Advocate for the Respondent No. 10