The BMC’s decision to install barricades and green-cloth view-cutters on the Lalbaug bridge ahead of the Ganpati festival, especially in view of Aagman ceremony of Chinchpoklicha Chintamani and other prominent Ganesh mandals has raised questions over the utility of these arrangements, with the bridge itself being shut in both directions on Saturday.

The civic authorities had said the barricades and green cloth were installed to prevent people from gathering on the bridge, leaning over the railing or attempting to catch a glimpse of the Ganpati procession from a dangerous height. The measures were also intended to ensure that devotees did not put their lives at risk while trying to take darshan.