KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s plan to lay granite paving on Durbar Marg has sparked criticism for not being visually impaired-friendly.
Yubaraj Lama, a young man with visual impairment, shared his concerns on social media, highlighting the risks the new paving poses for people like him.
In a Facebook post directed at KMC Mayor Balen Shah, Lama questioned the absence of yellow tactile paving, which is crucial for guiding visually impaired pedestrians.
“While granite is being laid for the strength and beauty of the road, where is the space for the yellow tactile paving that helps the visually impaired find their way?” Lama asked.
Lama highlighted the safety risks, noting that the smooth and wide granite paving, while aesthetically appealing, lacks the necessary tactile cues that help visually impaired individuals navigate safely.
“Without a straight guideline in front, there is a risk of getting lost on the smooth road,” he explained.
He urged the authorities to consider how accessibility is managed in other modern cities worldwide, hoping that Kathmandu would follow suit in creating a more inclusive urban environment.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has yet to respond to these concerns, raising questions about the inclusivity of urban planning decisions in the capital.
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