Horse carriages lined up for passengers in front of Maidan
Functionaries of PETA India and CAPE Foundation had even brought a battery-operated carriage to Kolkata from Mumbai in 2022 to showcase it to the carriage owners.
Mumbai has already transitioned to e-carriages, and former horse carriage owners report improved earnings and more tourist interest,” said PETA India policy associate, Chumki Dutta. “The horses deserve retirement at sanctuaries and former horse-owners deserve a modernised and safer means of livelihood,” said CAPE Foundation managing trustee, Radhika Bose. Kidderpore-based Qaiyum Ali, who owns two carriages and six horses, said people come from all over the country to take the heritage carriage rides.
“The heritage-style e-carriages would be a win-win solution for horse and human welfare and safety. However, horse carriage owners say they will oppose such attempts. He raised doubts over the appeal of e-carriages among tourists.
They have hailed minister Agnimitra Paul’s announcement on Sunday that five battery-operated carriages would be introduced in Kolkata this winter to drive the change.
Kolkata: Faced with stiff opposition from carriage owners, the implementation of the state govt’s directive of phasing out Victorian horse carriages may not be an easy affair. Animal rights organisations have, however, hailed the state’s decision.