Pune City To Host Exhibition On Accessible Street Design For Persons With Disabilities
Pune City To Host Exhibition On Accessible Street Design For Persons With Disabilities
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, July 17, 2025: EKansh Trust, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwD), has been at the forefront of driving accessibility in Pune since 2009—years before the launch of the national Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan in 2016. Founded by accessibility consultant and inclusion advocate Anita Iyer Narayan, the trust has consistently worked towards making public spaces inclusive for all.
The Trust had earlier conducted a citywide contest for architecture students to design barrier-free spaces, using the Pu La Deshpande Udyan as their focus area. The initiative concluded with an exhibition and conference attended by members of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), disability rights advocates, and students.
Continuing its mission, EKansh with BKPS College of Architecture students engaged in conducting an accessibility survey of five major streets in Pune. Under the supervision of principal and faculty, and mentored by Anita Iyer (an access auditor), eight students prepared a detailed report highlighting problem areas such as open drainage grills, unsafe footpaths, inadequate ramps, and inaccessible public amenities. Their findings and recommendations, aligned with national accessibility guidelines, will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition.
EKansh Trust, has been advocating for accessibility and inclusion, will host an exhibition titled “YOUniversal Design” on July 25, 2025. The event will focus on improving pedestrian accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs), showcasing surveys and solutions for five major streets in Pune.
The exhibition is designed to engage architects, civil engineers, urban planners, builders, contractors, government officials, and concerned citizens in conversations around creating inclusive urban spaces. Students and professionals from architecture, construction, and street furniture design are especially encouraged to attend.
The initiative is guided by accessibility and DEI consultant Anita Iyer Narayan and supported by student interns from BKPS College of Architecture, who conducted surveys and prepared presentations for the event. It aligns with the Harmonised Guidelines on Accessibility and features practical solutions to address gaps in urban infrastructure.
EKansh Trust, empanelled by the Government of India for access audits, is organizing the event in partnership with the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA).
While EKansh pushes for systemic change through workshops and sensitisation programmes for civic authorities, challenges remain. A recent PMC workshop revealed that many civil engineers were unaware of accessibility standards. The Trust also continues to highlight issues like retrofitting inaccessible buildings and encroachments that undo well-executed infrastructure.
The exhibition will take place from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM at UWA Working Women’s Hostel Hall, near Vikhe Patil School, Gokhale Nagar, Pune.
