The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has been instructed by Tamil Nadu Advocate General R. Shunmugasundaram to modify all bollards on city pavements that hinder accessibility for wheelchair users. This directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by disability rights activist Bhavana Botta, who argued that the bollards, originally intended to prevent motor vehicle use on pavements, violated central government guidelines.
The High Court recorded the Advocate General’s submission and closed the PIL with the expectation that the authorities would comply with the instructions to avoid inconveniencing persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
The GCC Executive Engineer (Bus Routes and Roads) will be responsible for rectifying these bollards, and the PIL petitioner’s counsel has been invited to provide a list of locations requiring modifications. Bollards within railway premises will be addressed by the railway authorities. The move aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for all pedestrians.