The Delhi government has cancelled its proposed procurement of two air-conditioned boats intended for VIP and VVIP use, estimated at a cost of ₹6.2 crore, and suspended two senior officials linked to the process, Minister Parvesh Verma announced on Thursday.
Verma, who oversees the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department, confirmed that the tender process has been scrapped and an investigation is currently underway. “We have cancelled the tender for the boats and initiated an inquiry into the matter. The executive engineer and assistant engineer responsible have been suspended for issuing the tenders without prior approval,” he stated.
The decision follows scrutiny triggered by a report published on March 18, after which the minister ordered a detailed inquiry into both the tender and the circumstances surrounding its issuance. The minister’s office further clarified that any future procurement of boats will be strictly limited to essential departmental functions, including surveillance, pollution monitoring, and operational requirements.
According to the now-cancelled tender, the government had planned to acquire two luxury vessels, each with a capacity of 16 to 20 passengers. The boats were to be equipped with high-end amenities such as cassette-type rooftop marine air conditioners, business-class push-back seating, and a dedicated pantry for onboard service.
Additional features included an open rear deck designed for public appearances, fitted with sofa-style seating for three to four individuals. Interior specifications highlighted premium design elements, including vegan leather seating with fine stitching, wooden-finish armrests, integrated bottle holders, and ambient LED lighting to enhance the overall aesthetic.
The proposal drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, which described the plan as an unnecessary expenditure and a misallocation of public funds.
Earlier, the I&FC Department had issued a corrigendum extending the bidding deadline from March 18 to March 27, citing administrative reasons. However, the process has now been formally terminated.
The controversy comes at a time when the Yamuna river clean-up remains a key priority for the BJP-led Delhi government. Notably, a 48-kilometre stretch of the river within Delhi—from Palla to Badarpur—along with a 26-kilometre segment between Wazirabad and Asgarpur, accounts for a significant portion of the river’s pollution, despite representing less than 2% of its total length.
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