The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with the I for Humanity Foundation and under the Smart Cities Mission, launched the ‘Accessible Cities’ initiative on January 8, 2025. The program aims to develop urban spaces that are inclusive and accessible for all, focusing on groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and children.
Out of the 100 cities under the Smart Cities Mission, Belagavi is among the 10 cities selected for this initiative. The cities were chosen based on proposals submitted in August-September 2024, showcasing their achievements and plans for inclusivity. Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) played a key role, in projects like the Mahatma Phule Garden for Specially Abled Children and gender equality programs, which earned the United Nations – Smart Solution & Inclusive Cities award.
The initiative aims to implement universal accessibility standards across various sectors to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Key elements include:
Accessible Hospitality: Ensuring hotels meet inclusivity standards.
Accessible Banking: Modifying bank branches and ATMs to allow universal access.
Accessible Elevators: Setting standards for elevators that cater to diverse needs.
The first phase will include cities such as Chandigarh, Sagar, Satna, Jabalpur, Dehradun, Belagavi, Pune, Raipur, Lucknow, and Varanasi.
This initiative marks a significant step in India’s efforts to foster inclusive urban environments and empower marginalized communities.
