Senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Kolkata intensified efforts on Wednesday to prepare the historic Writers' Buildings for the state secretariat, as the incoming Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government reportedly prefers not to operate from Nabanna. The urgency of the relocation was underscored by a police inspection conducted on the same day, during which officers visited various floors of the Writers' Buildings to assess the layout, review ongoing repair work, and examine how security arrangements would need to be redesigned before the new Chief Minister and ministers commence work from there.
Police Inspection and Security Planning
According to an official, work on the second floor is partially complete, and this floor is being considered for the Chief Minister's office, subject to approval by the incoming Chief Minister. The police review focused on access control, movement within the complex, and measures to prevent disorder on the premises. Restrictions on visitor entry are being evaluated, with one proposal suggesting that public access be allowed only from 2 PM to 5 PM. Officers examined how currently locked gates could be reopened and regulated to manage both traffic and security effectively.
Lessons from Past Incidents
Police are treating the security blueprint as a priority, mindful of the chaos that marked Mamata Banerjee's first entry into the Writers' Buildings on May 20, 2011, when supporters surged forward and security was briefly overwhelmed. Officials stated that the new arrangements are being planned specifically to avoid a repeat of such scenes. The administration faces a significant logistical challenge in readying the 1777-era structure within a matter of days.
Logistical Challenges and Seating Plans
Officials noted that housing 44 ministers and departmental secretaries in the main block would be difficult, especially after the usable floor area was reduced from approximately 5.5 lakh square feet to 2.8 lakh square feet, following the demolition of structures built between 1945 and 1971. An official said that the final seating plan could only be determined after the new Chief Minister takes charge. For now, the suggestion is that several ministers may operate from other government offices, such as Swasthya Bhavan, Sech Bhavan, Purta Bhawan, and Bidyut Bhawan. Some departments may continue to function from the new secretariat building for the time being. Officials indicated that only a few departments could now operate from the Writers' Buildings, and PWD officials admitted that readying the entire complex in a few days would be challenging.
