The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has annulled a ₹64 lakh tender intended for the procurement of robotic water rescue devices.
The decision follows mounting political pressure and public outcry over the devices’ Turkish origin, amid heightened geopolitical tensions between India and Turkey. The tender, initially floated in September 2023, aimed to acquire six remotely operated robotic lifebuoys for deployment at six high-risk beaches in Mumbai: Girgaon Chowpatty, Dadar Shivaji Park, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai. The devices were designed to assist lifeguards in swift water rescues, particularly during the monsoon season when drowning incidents are prevalent. Each robotic buoy was specified to support up to 200 kg, travel at speeds of 18 km/h, and operate autonomously for one hour using rechargeable batteries.
The procurement plan faced immediate opposition from several political leaders, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Bhalchandra Shirsat, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Padwal, and Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh. Critics raised concerns about the civic body’s decision to engage with Turkish firms, citing Turkey’s alleged support for Pakistan during recent border tensions with India. Shirsat, in particular, questioned the appropriateness of importing such devices from a country perceived as an ally of India’s adversary.
In response to the criticism, BMC officials confirmed the cancellation of the tender, stating that the Letter of Approval (LoA) had not been issued to the vendor. A senior civic official indicated that the decision to withdraw the tender was influenced by the prevailing geopolitical climate. The BMC now plans to reissue the tender, with a preference for domestically manufactured devices, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and ensuring cost-effectiveness in the long term.
This development underscores the growing influence of geopolitical considerations on public procurement policies. While the primary objective of the tender was to enhance public safety through technological advancements, the controversy highlights the complexities involved in sourcing equipment from foreign suppliers amid international tensions. The BMC’s decision reflects a broader trend of prioritising national security and domestic industry support in civic procurement strategies.
The cancellation of the ₹64 lakh tender for Turkish-made robotic lifebuoys marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s approach to public safety and procurement policies. As the BMC prepares to issue a new tender favouring domestic suppliers, the incident serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between technological advancement, public safety, and geopolitical considerations in municipal governance.
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