Kolkata's Millennium Park Shut Indefinitely Over Security Concerns
Access to the popular Millennium Park on the Hooghly riverfront in Kolkata was closed indefinitely by police on Friday afternoon, citing critical security reasons. The closure comes as the Chief Electoral Officer's office is located directly opposite the park at the Shipping Corporation of India building on Strand Road.
Visitors Turned Away Amid Heightened Security Measures
Scores of visitors were turned away on Friday evening as police enforced prohibitory orders around the area. A section of Strand Road and a portion of Hare Street were also closed to traffic as part of the security arrangements. Kolkata Police formally informed the CEO's office that Millennium Park would remain closed indefinitely to ensure comprehensive security protocols.
The nearby shipping jetty, which many office-goers in BBD Bag use to avail ferry services to reach Howrah Station, was also temporarily closed until afternoon before resuming operations in the evening.
Background of Electoral Tensions and Previous Clashes
The security concerns stem from recent political tensions surrounding the CEO's office, which shifted from the Balmer Lawrie building in Dalhousie to the SCI building on Strand Road on March 22. Just one day later, police issued initial prohibitory orders around the building, but these measures failed to prevent subsequent protests and agitations by Booth Level Officers and various political parties.
Notably, clashes occurred between BLOs backed by the Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters outside the building. A major confrontation took place on March 31 specifically over Form 6 submissions. While police and central forces managed to control the situation, these incidents created heightened anxiety among officers responsible for security at the CEO's office.
Fresh Security Order and Police Justification
In response to the escalating tensions, a fresh order was issued on April 1, specifically curbing assembly of people on the pavement adjoining Millennium Park opposite the CEO's office. Police Commissioner Ajay Nand cited intelligence reports warning of potential violent demonstrations that could breach public peace, leading to the imposition of Section 163 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
A joint commissioner of police clarified the situation, stating: "We did not shut Millennium Park entirely. However, since its entrance falls exactly opposite the CEO office, we had to take necessary security actions."
Public Disappointment and Criticism
The indefinite closure has disappointed numerous visitors who had planned to enjoy the riverfront park. Pranati Mukherjee, visiting from Asansol, expressed her disappointment at being denied entry and proceeded to Prinsep Ghat instead.
Tathagata Majumder from Kasba, who arrived with a group of children, questioned why children had to suffer consequences due to election-related security measures. Minati Laha, who brought her 80-year-old mother from Birati, revealed her disrupted plans to spend the evening at the park before proceeding to Babughat to watch the arati post dusk.
Moul Chatterjee, a third-year student at St. Xavier's College, voiced strong criticism: "This is disgusting. They won't even provide information about when the park will reopen to the public."
The indefinite closure represents a significant disruption to public access to one of Kolkata's prominent recreational spaces along the Hooghly riverfront, with no clear timeline provided for when normal access might be restored.
