BMC Faces Questions Over Lalbaug Bridge View-Cutters After Complete Closure

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision to install barricades and green-cloth view-cutters on the Lalbaug bridge ahead of the Ganpati festival has come under scrutiny from local residents and citizens.

The civic measure, implemented ahead of the Aagman ceremonies of prominent Ganesh mandals including the Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, was set up ahead of the festive processions. However, questions were raised over the practical utility of the view-cutters after the bridge itself was closed to movement in both directions on Saturday.

With the Lalbaug bridge completely shut in both directions, citizens questioned why public money was spent on installing barricades and green-cloth view-cutters when general access to the structure was already blocked during the arrival events.

According to civic authorities, the barricades and green cloth were installed to manage crowd safety during the Ganpati celebrations. Officials stated that the measures were put in place to prevent people from gathering on the bridge, leaning over the railings, or attempting to catch glimpses of the Ganpati processions from dangerous heights.

Civic authorities also maintained that the view-cutters and barricading were specifically intended to ensure devotees did not put their lives at risk while attempting to take darshan during the festival proceedings.