Elaborate security arrangements for Kolkata Book fair

The Bidhannagar Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the International Kolkata Book Fair starting on January 29, a senior police officer said on Friday.

Special plans have been chalked out to keep an eye on the law and order at the Central Park in Salt Lake, the venue of the fair, in view of protest demonstration against CAA and NRC in different parts of the state.

The book fair will be held from January 29 till February 9.

According to the security plan, the venue has been divided into four zones with a senior police officer of the rank of deputy commissioner to be in charge of the security of the each of the zones respectively.

Around 100 CCTV would be set up in the fair ground to monitor the proceedings 24x7. Six watch towers would also be set up in and around the venue, he said.

"Like previous years, we are expecting record-breaking footfall this time also. Keeping in mind the security aspect we have planned tight-security arrangements and focussed on maintaining the law and order situation," the officer said.

"There will be a control room inside the venue where senior police officers will be present to monitor things in and around the book fair venue. There will be Quick Response Team personnel present in and outside the venue," he said.

A team of special women police would also be deployed at the fair venue keeping in mind the safety aspect of women visitors, he said.

"Women police officers in plain clothes and officers of the anti-rowdy squad will also be there at the venue. We will also have civic police to assist visitors inside the Central Park. There will be extra police personnel present during these 12 days," the IPS officer said.

The security aspect was also arranged keeping in mind about the VVIP delegates scheduled to visit the International Kolkata Book Fair almost daily, he said.

"We will also deploy police personnel at nearby Karunamoyee bus terminus also. They will help visitors. Signages will be put up at different parts of the city," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the 44th International Kolkata Book Fair which is scheduled to be held from January 29 to February 9.

Russia is the theme country of this year's book fair.