Latest news with #BhalchandraShirsat
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
BMC Scraps Deal To Procure Turkey-Made Lifebuoys Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Last Updated: The BMC has cancelled its plan to procure Turkish-made robotic lifebuoys for Mumbai beaches due to Turkey's support for Pakistan amid recent India-Pakistan tensions. Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has scrapped its plan to procure Turkey-made robotic lifebuoys for deployment across half a dozen beaches, amid India's strained ties with the country over its backing for Pakistan. According to some civic officials, 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. Officials also said that 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. Last month, the BMC had come under fire for reportedly awarding a contract to a Turkish company to supply robotic life-saving equipment for deployment at Mumbai's popular beaches. In a letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bhalchandra Shirsat had demanded the immediate cancellation of the tender. In his letter, Shirsat also questioned why Mumbai's civic body would engage in business with a country that has openly supported Pakistan during times of conflict. Turkey extended diplomatic and military support to Islamabad during last month's military confrontation between India and Pakistan, thus triggering broader domestic calls for a boycott of goods made in the Eurasian country. On June 2, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Earlier, multiple universities, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia, suspended their Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Inonu University in Turkey, citing national security considerations.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
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.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BJP pans BMC beach safety plan with Turkiye robots
Mumbai: BJP has strongly opposed BMC's proposal to procure robotic water rescue devices from Turkiye to enhance public safety at six beaches, citing its support to Islamabad amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan. In a letter to the BMC chief, BJP leader Bhalchandra Shirsat demanded that the proposed contract be scrapped and warned of agitation if the civic body fails to act. "While the rest of the country is united in rejecting Turkish products, what world is Mumbai's civic administration living in?" he asked, seeking that BMC should refuse to engage with any Turkiye firm in future. Former Sewri corporator Sachin Padwal from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh, also a former corporator, too, opposed the BMC move. The devices, planned to be procured through an Indian vendor, are meant for use at Girgaum, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches. They are expected to assist the 111 lifeguards deployed at these spots in reaching distressed swimmers more efficiently. The final approval of the proposal is awaited. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
News18
24-05-2025
- Business
- News18
BMC Faces The Heat For Alleged Nod To Beach Rescue Robots From Turkey Amid Tensions With India
Last Updated: In a strongly worded letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, BJP leader Bhalchandra Shirsat questioned the need to engage in business with a country that supports Pakistan The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come under fire for reportedly awarding a contract to a Turkish company to supply robotic life-saving equipment for deployment at Mumbai's popular beaches. BJP leader Bhalchandra Shirsat has written a strongly worded letter to the Mumbai municipal commissioner, demanding the immediate cancellation of the tender. He questioned why Mumbai's civic body would engage in business with a country that has openly supported Pakistan during times of conflict. The letter follows reports in media which revealed that BMC had floated a tender for robotic rescue systems that look like surfing boards and that a Turkish firm had qualified and received the work order. Shirsat's letter stated, 'When the entire country is boycotting Turkish products, what world is the BMC living in?" He also warned of widespread public protests if the civic body fails to cancel the contract. Speaking to News18, Shirsat said: 'We will not tolerate such a thing by BMC. We warn the authorities to respect public sentiment about the issue and immediately withdraw the tender given to the Turkish company." The protest taps into growing public sentiment against Turkey, which has been building over the past few weeks. The tension stems from Turkey's vocal support for Pakistan after India's Operation Sindoor. In response, many Indian citizens have called for a boycott of Turkish goods and tourism. Tour operators have reported cancellations of trips to Turkey, and several business groups have reduced or stopped importing Turkish-made products. For many Mumbaikars, the concern isn't merely about the equipment but about national sentiment. 'It's not about the robots. It's about principle," said a senior resident from Girgaon. While the BMC has not officially responded to the controversy, the issue is rapidly gaining traction on social media and among citizen groups. Although the civic body's move may have been intended to upgrade beach safety with modern technology, the political undertones have now taken centre stage. First Published: May 24, 2025, 10:15 IST
