Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today called upon the younger generation to spare some time for reading books although they are hard pressed for time, burdened with their studies. She was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the unveiling of 47th Kolkata International Book Fair at Central Park, Karunamoyee , Salt Lake today.

Miss Banerjee, while inaugurating the book fair, heaped praises on the book sellers’ guild for putting in place the measures required for smooth conduct of the fair. The chief minister also made it known that the Central Park, Karunamoyee, would be the permanent venue for the book fair. She also appreciated how the place has panned out to be a spacious fair, nowadays. “When I first visited the book fair, I felt how congested it was and absolutely begging for space.

Now you see how it has become a spacious one thanks to the various government agencies, who have worked round-theclock to make it possible,” the chief minister said. She also read stanzas from her poem and said that books written by her would touch 150-mark soon and as of this year’s fair the number of her books stands at 143. She also added that her books are being published since 1995. Her first book was Upolobdhi.

The chief minister said that about 20 countries are taking part in this year’s fair. They are the US, France, Bangladesh, Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia, Thailand, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Cuba and Dominican Republic. The CM also said that some people always want to be in the spotlight by beating their own trumpets. But she is a person who likes to keep mum on her achievements, because people are the best judge. Sudhangshu Dey, secretary of Publishers and Booksellers Guild said the number of small publishers has risen to 1,000 plus, up from 900 last year. In 2023, books worth Rs 25 crore were sold. Steps have been taken to ensure smooth parking for car and two-wheelers.

The problem of using Wi-Fi connectivity from the mela ground has been taken care of properly this year, Mr Dey said. The transport department will deploy additional buses to carry book lovers to and from the venue. People from the neighbouring districts visit the fair and there will be more buses to take them to Howrah and Sealdah stations. The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation will provide additional staff from the solid waste management department to keep the fairground clean.

There will be provision for biotoilets and water pouches will be available for the visitors. Nine gates had been set up which include London Tower Bridge, Bethune School, Tarashankar 125, Lorca 125 and Father Diettenne, said Mr Dey. More Metro trains with higher frequency will run on Sundays. The transport department will run special book fair buses. App cab and auto services will be available for the visitors.