Alappuzha: In a welcome move, special parking facilities are being introduced for differently-abled people in Kerala beaches with the first such initiative coming up at Kozhikode beach. These facilities will provide designated parking spaces marked with a wheelchair symbol near the ramp adjacent to the beaches, ensuring easy and unobstructed access. 

This inclusive approach, inspired by international practices, is being implemented by organisations such as Saksham and Divyang Foundation Trust. The accessible parking will accommodate two cars and three-wheeled scooters at a time, with clear markings to indicate its purpose. Violators parking in these reserved spaces will be slapped with a fine.

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has already constructed a ramp at Kozhikode beach, and the parking facility complements this initiative. The trust will bear the costs of painting the symbols and installing the necessary boards. The only remaining task is to erect the boards, with the inauguration scheduled for next week. The second phase will be extended to Ernakulam district. 

Speaking about the initiative, Prajith Jayapal, founder trustee of the Divyang Foundation Trust, said, "Differently-abled individuals need freedom of movement on beaches too. Without ramps and parking facilities, they often require assistance. This project aims to ensure their right to travel independently as much as possible."