The temple’s front entrance, facing the petrol pump, is expected to remain temporarily shut during renovation work, which is likely to take about two years. Devotees are expected to be directed towards the rear entrance near the ground

Residents alleged that the situation around the temple could affect residents, senior citizens, children, domestic workers, delivery staff and emergency vehicles

Residents also protested against the proposed crowd-management and renovation arrangements near Siddhivinayak Temple

The Siddhivinayak Temple entrance on the petrol-pump side, where renovation work is expected to affect access

Residents further highlighted that the temple needs to make arrangements for the renovation works, and we have no objection to devotees coming for darshan. But if our main gate is kept shut or is blocked, how are senior citizens, children and people carrying groceries supposed to enter? We cannot be expected to take a long detour every time we have to come home

Siddhivinayak Trust Treasurer Pawan Tripathi said, ‘Though the temple is going to benefit from the renovation works, the project is of BMC. The area where renovation works will be done is under the BMC. For all of us are important.'