Differently abled siblings in Rasipuram urge municipality to remove obstructive concrete slab hindering their wheelchair movement

Two differently abled siblings alleged that the concrete slab laid on their street has become a hindrance to their movement in wheelchairs and demanded its removal.

Six months ago, the Rasipuram Municipality laid a cement road on Ravuthar Street and covered the drain running through the street with a concrete slab. However, due to its height, two differently abled siblings — S. Ilaiyaraja and S. Bhaupathi— residing on the street were unable to move in their wheelchair over the slab and requested that the municipality remove it.

S. Ilaiyaraja told The Hindu that for the past 20 years, he and his brother have been suffering from muscular dystrophy. “My father Singaram (64) takes care of us. Six months ago, the municipality laid a concrete slab over the drain. The slab is too high, and resembles a large speed breaker. We find it difficult pass over it in a wheelchair. Every time, my father helps us to manoeuvre the slab. Last month, my father had an accident while crossing the slab on his two-wheeler and sustained internal injuries. We submitted petitions to the Municipality in March, June, and July this year, but no action was taken. Section 46 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, clearly states that the government should make all services accessible for persons with disabilities. Therefore, the municipality should take immediate action to remove this concrete cover slab, Mr. Elaiyaraja added. 

When contacted, Rasipuram Municipality Commissioner Gopinath said that in one or two days, that slab will be removed and a small concrete cover slab will be laid for the easy access of the siblings.