The State Government allowed The Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) to hold the 45th Chennai Book Fair between February 16 and March 6.

The book fair was expected to be conducted from January 6 to 23, but it was postponed because to the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an order, Chief Secretary V. Irai Anbu said that permission was granted following a request from the secretary of BAPASI to conduct a book exhibition in the manner it was conducted in 2020 by adhering strictly to COVID regulations.

Over 80 per cent of the infrastructure is ready for the event. Construction on the main pavilion, which will accommodate 800 stalls, is completed, along with the washrooms and stage where guests will participate in events.

BAPASI said it would reduce the number of book stalls from 1,000 to 800. The book fair will take place on the YMCA ground in Nandanam.

Senior citizens are restricted from participating

The annual book fair at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam attracts booksellers, publishers, literary enthusiasts, book lovers, literary agents, students, children, and the general public from Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. 

According to the new guidelines issued by the authorities,

In order to ensure the safety of attendees, infants, newborns, senior citizens aged 65 and above, pregnant women, and people with co-morbid diseases such as hypertension and heart disease have been prohibited from attending.