Kolkata Book Fair begins, burst of safety ideas to keep strict watch

Kolkata: Bidhannagar Police have made elaborate arrangements for the 43rd International Book Fair from January 31 to February 11 at the Central Park Mela Ground in Salt Lake. A special team has been created named the Unified Command Watch Vigil which will comprise members from all the wings directly or indirectly connected with the preparation and management of the Kolkata Book Fair.

According to police, approximately 2,000 police personnel will be deployed including traffic cops on all the days. On the inaugural day, special security arrangement has been made for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

According to Amit Javalgi, Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) of Bidhannagar Police, there will be four watch towers that will be manned by the police. They will keep a strict vigil on the Mela ground. Also, there will be around 200 CCTV cameras which have been installed inside and outside the ground. Police have also requested guardians to keep an identity card in their children's pockets for the sake of safety. This will help the police and authorities to find their near and dear ones in case they get lost.

Apart from these general arrangements, special teams have been made to counter any untoward incident. Anti-rowdy squad, anti-molestation team, anti-snatching groups have been made comprising specially trained police personnel including lady cops who will patrol the Mela ground in plainclothes, posing as one of the masses to keep a strict watch. Also, a special police control room has been set up at the fair.

Apart from security, arrangements have been made for both private cars and commercial vehicles such as buses, autos, taxis and cabs. No vehicles will be allowed to park in front of the book fair as the road is being turned in to a green zone.

Private vehicle owners can park their vehicles on the main parking facility which is located just opposite to the Mela ground, beside Unnayan Bhavan. Also, another place to park cars has been arranged on plot DJ 3, behind Unnayan Bhavan.

Buses will be available from Karunamoyee terminus, Municipal School island, CK 65 and near Bidhan Chandra Roy statue. Taxis and cabs will be available from near Mayukh Bhavan and auto rickshaws will be parked at 9 number island. Three places have been chosen as reserved spaces located opposite to Bikash Bhavan, CF 367 and CJ 172. Parking in these areas will be allowed depending on the situation.