Kerala civic bodies ordered to audit buildings for accessibility compliance

Secretaries of all local self-government institutions in Kozhikode have been instructed to undertake post-occupancy audits of buildings under their jurisdiction to identify and address accessibility violations. The directive comes in response to persistent complaints from rights activists highlighting infrastructure gaps that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing public facilities.

The audit initiative aims to assess existing buildings for compliance with accessibility standards, including provisions for wheelchair access, appropriate signage, ramps, and other facilities required by law. Officials are expected to document deficiencies and initiate corrective measures to ensure equal access for all citizens, including those with physical disabilities.

Accessibility audits represent a systematic approach to identifying barriers within public infrastructure. Post-occupancy assessments allow local authorities to evaluate whether buildings meet statutory requirements and address shortcomings that may have emerged since construction or renovation.

The directive underscores growing attention to disability inclusion in civic planning and infrastructure development. Advocacy groups have long flagged that many public buildings in Kerala, despite legal requirements, lack basic accessibility features, effectively excluding persons with disabilities from essential services and public spaces.

Local authorities have been given the responsibility of ensuring that audit findings translate into concrete remedial action, with timelines expected to be established for implementing necessary modifications to bring buildings into compliance with accessibility standards.