National Tourism Award for Best Disabled Friendly Monument for WHS Fatehpur Sikri
New Delhi, 18 March 2013
The Fatehpur Sikri group of monuments in Agra has bagged the prestigious National Tourism Award 2011-12 for “the best maintained and disabled-friendly monument”.
The award was given away at a function here on Monday by President Pranab Mukherjee and presided over by Minister of State for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi.
Six years back the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Svayam, an NGO working in the field of accessibility, joined hands to make the world heritage sites accessible to all the elderly and the disabled.
It’s a proud moment to share the fact that yet again our efforts have been recognized and feted by not just the stakeholders but the Union Tourism Ministry, Government of India by conferring this award for making the Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments accessible.
Svayam conducted an access audit of Fatehpur Sikri and shared the access strategies with ASI for making the heritage site inclusive and welcoming for everybody while addressing different demographic needs. ASI implemented the audit recommendations with Svayam handholding the entire process. The access provisions like ramps, signage’s, accessible toilet units, accessible ticket counters, dedicated parking facility, defined access route etc. make the heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri a well maintained and disabled friendly monument.
Svayam founder- Sminu Jindal said the awards and recognition highlight the need for making these places accessible and address the leisure requirements of varied demographic needs. “Monuments are common heritage properties and it is heartening to see ASI’s initiatives in carrying out Svayam’s audit reports to make Fatehpur Sikri accessible to people with reduced mobility,” she added.
(a) Breaking Tourism News : Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments bags Best maintained and disabled friendly monument’ with joint efforts of Svayam & ASI
(b) The Hindu : Fatehpur Sikri Monuments bags Tourism Award