Overview

• The BMC has withdrawn its ₹64 lakh tender for six Maren Robotics-sourced devices after criticism from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders over Turkey’s backing of Pakistan during April’s conflict
• Each robotic lifebuoy is designed with dual water jets, a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery, a 200 kg load capacity, an 800 m range at 18 km/h and one-hour operating time
• Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed no Letter of Approval was issued and said a new procurement process will be launched shortly
• Officials intend to leverage the Make in India initiative by inviting bids from domestic firms for the replacement rescue robots
• The boats were originally slated for deployment at Girgaum, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches to support Mumbai’s lifeguards during high-risk conditions