The remotely-operated rescue machines, designed to assist lifeguards in saving people from drowning, were to be deployed at Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Monday
File Photo
The Mumbai civic body has scrapped its plan to procure Turkey-made robotic lifebuoys for deployment across half-a-dozen beaches, officials said, a move coming in the backdrop of Ankara facing backlash in India for supporting Pakistan, reported news agency PTI.
The remotely-operated rescue machines, designed to assist lifeguards in saving people from drowning, were to be deployed at Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Monday, reported PTI.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani replied in the affirmative when asked if the civic body has scrapped the plan to procure robotic lifebuoys manufactured in Turkey, reported PTI.
Each unit of the machine was equipped with dual water jets, a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery, and had the capacity to carry up to 200 kg. It could travel 800 metres into the sea at speeds up to 18 km/h and operate for about an hour, as per officials.
The civic body faced strong criticism from political parties for the deal after Turkey extended diplomatic and military support to Islamabad during last month's military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
Political leaders, including the ruling BJP and its ally Shiv Sena, had questioned the procurement of the equipment from foreign suppliers instead of promoting indigenous alternatives.
Turkey's open support to Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, triggered broader domestic calls for a boycott of goods made in the Eurasian country.
Powai Lake cleanup: BMC removes 1,450 metric tonnes of aquatic plants in 10 days
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed about 1,450 metric tonnes of aquatic plants, including water hyacinths, from Powai Lake in 10 days as a part of its ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalise the natural surroundings around the water body.
"The work of removing aquatic plants and floating vegetation from the lake has been going on at a rapid pace since May 23, 2025. The positive result of these efforts is that 1,450 metric tonnes of aquatic plants have been removed in a period of 10 days from May 23, 2025, to June 1, 2025. In particular, the municipal corporation has also taken precautions to protect and conserve natural elements while removing aquatic plants," a Mumbai civic body spokesperson said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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