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Building Inclusive Smart Cities: Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Urban Regulations

Smart cities have been regularly associated with cutting-edge technologies like driverless cars, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence. But it would not be an exaggeration to state that the true essence of Smart Cities lies in their ability to create spaces that are efficient, sustainable and helpful in enhancing the quality of life for all of its citizens, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The most effective Smart Cities find ways to preserve and enhance living standards.[1] This article tries to examine the importance of integrating accessibility into urban regulations for smart cities, highlighting global practices, key challenges, and solutions.


Accessibility is the foundation of equitable urban development, which ensures that all the residents, regardless of their ability and privileges, can become fully functioning members of urban life and further contribute to it. However, we might occasionally grow comfortable and ignore the importance of diversity due to the quick desire for innovation and development. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been put into force by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD Act)[2]. The Act gives a mandate to make sure that public infrastructure, transport systems, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of common use should be accessible to Persons with Disabilities. The Accessibility India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) [3] emphasizes hugely on the same. Moreover, with the coming of Smart Cities Mission Guidelines (2015)[4] and Harmonized Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India (2021)[5], there has been growing stress on developing inclusive urban infrastructure that will improve the life and well-being of everyone.


Barcelona has established and continuously maintained itself as one of the leading cities in driving sustainable and smart urban mobility.[6] Priorities lie in the enhancement of the quality of life for all of its residents and making sure that there is accessibility for all, with a special focus given to residents with disabilities. The “Smart Mobility” give a high priority to inclusive transportation, investment in accessible buses and adaptive traffic signals that assist individuals with visual or mobility impairments. Barcelona’s commitment to universal design can be seen as a demonstration of the feasibility and benefits of an inclusive infrastructure model. The city uses IoT Technology, which enables real-time monitoring, further enabling PwDs to be an active part of the city’s public life.


To implement similar initiatives in India, cities can:

·       Invest in developing inclusive transportation systems, such as accessible buses and adaptive traffic signals.

·       Integrate and utilise IoT technology for real-time monitoring, designed for the needs of the disabled.

·       Incorporate Universal Design principles in urban planning and infrastructure development.

Dublin has a dedication to sustainability and inclusivity, which forms the foundation of its unique approach to smart cities.[7] In order to test the various ways in which technology might be helpful in improving urban living, the Smart City initiative aims to unite local government representatives, corporations, researchers, and residents. Dublin's Parking project in Dun Laoghaire can be a great example as it seeks to increase accessibility, particularly for those with limited mobility, by making parking spaces easier to locate and utilise.[8]


To replicate similar initiatives in India, the government can:

·       Collaborate with stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, and citizens, to develop inclusive smart city initiatives.

·       Leverage sensor technology and data analytics to get real-time information on accessible infrastructure, such as parking spaces and public transportation.

·       Foster a culture of inclusivity and accessibility by raising awareness about inclusive infrastructure and urban planning.


Our country’s Smart Cities Mission aims to develop 100 cities that will have improved infrastructure, quality of life and an inclusive environment.[9] However, most of the time, the implementation of accessibility standards falls short, which has detrimental effects on achieving the aims of the mission. The Supreme Court in Rajive v. Union of India[10] held that there is a need to emphasize implementation, and the State should take appropriate measures to ensure that there is enforcement of accessibility standards.


To bridge the gap between policy and practice in India, measures which can be taken include:

·       Strengthening of regulatory frameworks through legislation and imposing penalties for non-compliance with accessibility standards.

·       Providing incentives for cities that have significantly improved in implementing standards of accessibility and inclusivity.

·       Establishing a national accessibility standards authority to oversee and coordinate accessibility efforts across cities.


Despite the progress, several challenges may still persist. Technological gaps can exacerbate the digital divide, leaving behind those who lack access and proficiency to new technologies. Investment in digital literacy programs and accessible technologies can help bridge the digital divide. The lack of a master plan and inconsistent enforcement of accessibility standards across regions may also hinder progress.[11] Retrofitting existing infrastructure to meet accessibility standards can be cost-intensive, and this may lead to resistance from policymakers and stakeholders.[12] Cost-effective retrofitting solutions and providing incentives for stakeholders to implement accessibility measures, may lead to overcoming these challenges. The lack of a master plan and inconsistent enforcement of accessibility standards across regions may also hinder the progress.


The vision of achieving a truly Smart City is incomplete without the inclusion of all of its stakeholders. By making sure that accessibility is embedded in urban regulations and by leveraging technology responsibly, policymakers can create an environment that is not only innovative and futuristic but also equitable. By learning from global best practices, implementing inclusive initiatives, and addressing the challenges that persist, India can create smart cities that are truly inclusive and accessible to each individual in society.


Citations

2.     THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016

3.     Accessibility India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)

4.     Smart Cities Mission Guidelines (2015)

5.     Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India (2021)

6.     The Future of Barcelona: Innovation in Sustainable and Smart Mobility, https://www.thesmartcityjournal.com/en/smart-mobility/the-future-of-barcelona-innovation-in-sustainable-and-smart-mobility

7.     The Future of Smart Cities: How Digital Technologies are Transforming Urban Living in Barcelona and Dublin, https://www.dml.or.id/the-future-of-smart-cities-pioneering-urban-transformation-in-barcelona-and-dublin/

8.     The Future of Smart Cities: How Digital Technologies are Transforming Urban Living in Barcelona and Dublin, https://www.archdaily.com/1018432/the-future-of-smart-cities-how-digital-technologies-are-transforming-urban-living-in-barcelona-and-dublin?ad_campaign=normal-tag

9.     Smart Cities Mission Guidelines (2015)

10.  Rajiv Raturi v. Union of India [2017] 12 S.C.R. 827

 
 
 

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