Agra:
After a gap of eight years, Sminu Jindal, managing director of Jindal SAW, returns with us to Agra to explore Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. Sminu is a wheelchair user.
Svayam, an NGO founded by her, has worked as consultants with the Archaeological Survey of India, to make world heritage sites in Agra and Delhi barrier free for people with disabilities.
At the Taj, there are Braille signages and audio guides that help to explain the historical significance of the site to the visually impaired and other tourists.
Wooden ramps have been placed to avoid permanent alterations to the heritage site. They are practical and have the right gradient for wheelchairs.
It is possible to wheel around the compound and absorb the beauty of the Taj. However, the ramps only connect to the first level of the marble mausoleum. There are about 25 steps leading up to the main mausoleum which is inaccessible to them. Sminu has enjoyed her tour.
"This is my first time I went up really close. For me it's a very emotional moment to actually go there and see Taj once again. It's a national heritage and we all are so proud of it. So much accessibility actually gives a lot of people hope and that hope is priceless," she said.
Svayam has suggested that the Archeological Survey of India or ASI use a hydraulic lift to make the main mausoleum accessible to wheelchair users.
"It was not found feasible. Maybe with the new technology, when they become sleek and less intrusive. Anyway, I mean that is going to be in the view, so the total balance of the structure is going to be hampered with that," said Dr Bhuvan Vikrama, Superintending Archeologist, ASI, Agra Circle.
We had other concerns regarding accessibility. The battery powered vans which take tourists to the Taj from the parking area do not have ramps or detachable armrests.
There are no tactile blocks leading the visually impaired to the braille signage.
Though there is a designated accessible toilet at the Taj, the ramp leading to it is steep. Worse, we found it poorly maintained, making it user unfriendly to all, let alone wheelchair users.
However, the Fatehpur Sikri group of monuments in Agra, is almost fully accessible and Sminu covers the vast expanse on her wheelchair.
The Archeological Survey of India is working on gradually making all monuments under them accessible. Clearly with sensitive design, the goals of facilitating access to all and protection of heritage need not be contradictory.