Kochi: Soon six tourists spots in and around Kochi will be made disabled-friendly to attract more tourists, thanks to an initiative of the District Tourism Promotion Corporation (DTPC). The facilities, which are expected to be set up in 18 months, will include signage in Braille language, disabled-friendly ramps, bridges, paths and toilets among others. “We’ll also provide wheelchairs, walking sticks and crutches for such tourists to enjoy the scenery at these spots. The selected six locations are Nedump-arachira (Koovappady), Marine Drive Park, Fort Kochi, Ezhattumugham Prakrithi Gramam, Bhoothathankettu Park and Kuzhu-pilly beach,” said S Vijayakumar, Secretary, DTPC.
A token amount of '44 lakh was allotted to build the facilities. The Tourism department has allocated '9 crore under the ‘Barrier- Free Kerala Tourism’ project to be implemented across the state. “A site-specific estimate will be prepared and submitted to the department. Some of the facilities are already available, for instance the disabled-friendly toilet complex at Ezattumugham.” Meanwhile, the Tourism department has given administrative sanction to another project proposed by the DTPC – giving a facelift to popular Cherai beach at an estimated cost of Rs 50.37 lakh. The works will be completed in 18 months.
The department also gave nod for six other key projects, the work of which has started. It includes renovation of Children’s Park, located at the heart of the city, at a cost of '4crore, the second phase of the 'Kallidumbil Attute-eram' project at Piravom ('1.5 crore) and hanging bridge at Manakkal Kadavu over Kadambrayar near Pallikkara.
