Desk Correspondent , New Delhi – Minister of Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Paresh Verma reports two senior officers and put a stop to the ₹6.2 crore plan for two air-conditioned boats for VIPs and VVIPs. The official reports suggest that this action was taken after the harsh questioning from Hindustan Times and the opposing political parties. 

The government was producing two VIP & VVIP boats, they had the capacity of carrying 18-20 persons, with cassette-type rooftop marine air conditioners, customized business class push-back VIP seats made of vegan leather with exquisite stitching, integrated hand rests with wooden finish, bottle holders, and premium aesthetic look with concealed LED and ambient lighting. Each also included pantry for serving food and open-rear deck with three-to-four-seater sofas for VIP public appearance. After the HT report on boats in March 18 edition and severe criticism from AAP and Congress party, Verma ordered an inquiry on March 19 and gave assurance that this matter will be delt with. In the end Delhi government scrapped the ₹6.2 crore project and suspended both the executive engineer and the assistant engineer.

The AAP and Congress called this project the procurement of luxury boats and wastage of public funds. The swift cancellation and suspension of officials suggest concerns and effort towards public wellbeing. The Delhi government led by BJP has assured that cleaning of the Yamuna is their major priority at this point. It stretches roughly 48km in Delhi from Palla to Badarpur and 26km stretch from Wazirabad to Asgarpur village which is less that 2% of the river’s length but is responsible for major pollution load in the river.