Sri Kailasanathar temple in Kancheepuram, Sithanavasal caves, Moovar Koil in Kodambalur near Pudukottai, the Vellore and Gingee forts, monuments at Mamallapuram and Sri Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur will soon be getting disabled friendly facilities. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be developing facilities including ramps, Braille boards with information about the sites and disabled friendly restrooms among other facilities to convert these sites into model monuments under Adarsh Smarak Abhiyan program.

The work to make Pancha Rathas monument at Mahabalipuram to be disabled friendly will soon be initiated. “At places where the monuments are at ground level, we have provided for ramps and other access features. But for monuments that are at a higher level, such as the Gingee Fort, where the Sri Ranganathar temple is situated, it will not be possible to provide access as it is atop the hill. However, wherever possible, we will create access,” Mr. Subramanyam,  superintending archaeologist, told The Hindu.

The ASI, however, cannot make any permanent additions or alter the structure of monuments as part of making them disabled friendly.

Featured Image Source: Ram Nanda