BMC scraps plan to get beach robots from Turkiye

Mumbai: Following widespread criticism, BMC has scrapped its plan to procure robotic lifebuoys from Turkiye to enhance safety at six beaches amid calls to boycott the country's goods over its support to Islamabad during tension between India and Pakistan. A senior official said the civic body will float fresh tenders.The remotely operated, motorised flotation devices were meant to assist lifeguards in reaching those drowning off Girgaum Chowpatty, Dadar Shivaji Park, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches. Each machine comes equipped with dual water jets and rechargeable batteries of 10,000mAh, with a load-bearing capacity of up to 200kg. It can travel up to 800m into the sea at 18kmph and remain operational for an hour.BJP and Shiv Sena leaders had criticised the procurement deal, questioning why a foreign-made system was chosen over domestic alternatives, and had threatened protests. In response, BMC decided to cancel it. Former BJP corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat, who was among those who opposed the deal, pointed to Turkiye's military and diplomatic backing of Pakistan post Operation Sindoor.