Though the World Book Fair 2018 focuses on environment and climate change which is also its theme for the year, but on the very first day there were many visitors who seem to be just ignorant about their duty towards environment. As bundles of cigarette packets, bidi, tobacco pouches, match-boxes, cigarette-lighters and other tobacco products were confiscated from many visitors at the security check points. Hundreds of visitors were carrying such items with them.
“Since morning there are many people who are coming with cigarette, bidis, tobacco etc. but we can’t allow such items to be carried inside,” said a security guard.
A visitor who claimed himself to be a chain-smoker but do not wish himself to be named said that he came to the fair along with two of his daughters but since his cigarette pack has been confiscated its getting hard for him to stay for long.
“Those who are habitual smokers are not only harming environment but also their health. Moreover, such unhealthy persons cannot contribute towards a healthy and sustainable environment,” said Sunanda, 17-year-old girl.
Further, there were many others who were seen littering the Book Fair by throwing the empty chips packets and used fiber-plates here and there outside the garbage bins. “The garbage bins are present almost everywhere but there are few who just don’t care to use them.
The theme focuses on pertinent global concerns related to climate change and through a special pavilion, a rights exhibition of books and posters/panels on the subject area and panel discussions and programmes seeks to create a better perspective on the issue.