Bringing Heritage to disabled: Qutub walks the ramp, others to follow

The move has started with the Qutub Minar, where ASI has constructed access ramps in the complex. The project includes putting up signages, maps and facilities for parking and toilets for the disabled. The changes are in various stages of implementation — the latter two stand completed.

Work on the project started last December by placing a wooden L-shaped ramp leading to the Ashoka Pillar and at the entrance to the complex. The idea was to make them easily accessible to all. The four ramps are 1,200 mm wide, with a landing of 1,500 mm.

Up next, ASI plans to construct hand railings on each of these ramps — at a height of 800-900 mm — for safety purposes (see box for more). The height, though, can well vary and be brought down if necessary, ASI officials say.

ASI director general Anshu Vaisha says, “We thought of making various sites in Delhi accessible to the disabled (and) started with the Qutub since it is relatively easier to implement the changes there.”

It wasn’t all cakewalk though, for they had to avoid any damage to the monument’s beauty under Clause 25 of the Conservation Manual of ASI. D V Sharma, ASI head, Delhi Circle, says: “We have ensured that material used (wooden planks and steel girders) in making the ramps do not create an eyesore. These structures are permanent, yet do not damage the monument.”

The total budget for implementing the project at Qutub Minar was pegged at between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh. After Qutub, ASI plans to focus on other World Heritage sites in Delhi such as the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.

“As part of the first phase we will focus on heritage monuments,” ASI Delhi chief Sharma says. “The second phase will include ticketed monuments; and phase-III will have other monuments in Delhi.”

No timeline has yet been outlined for this.