Will the people ever now visit the much popular "old book bazar?" is the question mark for the City Government.
In the wake of diminishing reading habits and soaring prices of books and lacking affordability of common man to buy books of their choice, the idea to start "book bazar" was launched on February 25, 2001 with the start of this bazar at Frere Hall.
The idea won so much popularity that book sellers set up over 60 stalls and number of visitors rising to 5,000 every Sunday.
On the directive of then administrator KMC, the book bazar was shifted to Polo Ground Baradari in May 200l.
However, it could not gain popularity there because of various reasons including non-availability of drinking water, toilets and public transport facilities.
At the request of booksellers, the bazar was again shifted to Frere Hall's parking space in October 2002 with over 50 stalls visited by a large number of book readers from various parts of the city.
However, on June 14, 2002, the bazar was closed down after a blast outside the US consulate and entry points to Frere Hall closed.
On October 20, 2002, the bazar restarted on the order of City Nazim and it continued up to July 17, 2003 then its operation was suspended for two Sundays.
The City Nazim again issued an order to restart the bazar on September 7, 2003 and it continued up to May 23, 2004.
However, after a bomb blast outside the American Culture centre on May 26, 2004, the Police closed all entry points to Frere Hall.
The book bazar was last held on May 23, 2004 at Frere Hall and is closed since then.
City Government has not taken any steps to restart the bazar at Frere Hall or made any alternate arrangements for the very purpose.
So the people will remain deprived from buying books of their choice at the affordable prices.
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