Mid-day follow-up: Siddhivinayak Temple renovation deferred as BMC keeps Gate No. 1 open during Ganeshotsav

The front entrance of Siddhivinayak Temple facing the petrol pump, which was expected to be temporarily shut during renovation. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The BMC has deferred renovation work at Siddhivinayak Temple until after the 10-day Ganeshotsav celebrations to avoid disrupting the heavy flow of devotees. The decision has also eased concerns among residents and flower vendors near the temple's petrol-pump-side gate.

The renovation was earlier expected to require the closure of Gate No. 1, which would have diverted devotees to the temple's back gate, located in a lane lined with residential buildings.

What changes during Ganeshotsav

Gate No. 1: Will remain open

Renovation work: Deferred until after the 10-day celebrations

Back gate: No longer expected to handle the entire devotee flow

Residents: Avoid additional congestion in their lane

Vendors: Retain access to devotees approaching from Gate No. 1

A BMC official said the earlier plan had raised concerns among residents and vendors. "The civic body had earlier planned to take up renovation work that would have resulted in keeping the petrol-pump-side gate (Gate No. 1) shut, further affecting access. With the work now deferred, the said gate will remain open for devotees during Ganeshotsav, instead of diverting the entire crowd to the back gate, where many residential buildings have their main entrances."

Siddhivinayak Temple Trust treasurer Pawan Tripathi welcomed the decision. "The convenience and safety of devotees are our priority. We welcome the decision to avoid disruption during the 10-day Ganeshotsav period."

Residents relieved

Raj Narwekar, resident
‘We had pointed out that closing the petrol-pump-side gate during Ganeshotsav would create unnecessary congestion and inconvenience to thousands of devotees. We are happy that the BMC listened to our concerns and took this decision'

Manisha Joshi, resident
‘The temple sees a huge rush during Ganeshotsav. Having only one gate for devotees would have made the situation difficult for senior citizens, children and families. Also, you never know when an emergency can come up at any of our houses'

Vendors avoid a festive hit

Satish Jog, a vendor
"Ganeshotsav is an important time for our business. We were worried that if this gate was shut, devotees would not come towards our stalls. Those who have stalls near the front gate do not conduct business near the back gate, and vice versa. Maintaining this discipline for several years has helped everyone run their stalls peacefully."