Padmaja J, a reporter for The Times of India (Chennai), has been awarded the joint third prize in the 18th PII-ICRC annual awards for her article, “No splash for all: Swimming dreams for those with disability take a dive as city pools remain non-inclusive.” The article, published on March 30, 2024, brought to light the critical lack of accessible public swimming pools for individuals with disabilities in Chennai.
The article highlighted that out of seven pools maintained by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), only two offer accessibility features. This stark reality underscores the significant barriers faced by people with disabilities when it comes to enjoying recreational activities like swimming. The award recognizes the importance of Padmaja J’s work in bringing this crucial issue to the forefront and advocating for inclusivity.
The lack of accessible swimming pools is not just a Chennai problem, but a global one. In France, a recent incident involving an 18-year-old young man who was paralyzed after attempting a dangerous dive in a private pool has led to a lawsuit against the pool owners. The young man alleges that the owners were negligent in maintaining proper safety measures, highlighting the growing issue of pool squatting in the country.
In Chennai, the GCC has also identified a separate concern regarding road safety. A recent survey revealed that nearly one-third of the city’s 2,936 speed-breakers fail to meet Indian Roads Congress standards. The GCC has initiated a two-month plan to address this issue and ensure safer road conditions. Major roadways with faulty speed-breakers include P T Rajan Salai and Thiruvottiyur High Road. These efforts underscore the importance of safety and accessibility in public spaces, and the need for continued vigilance to address such issues.
