Rupali Ganguly
, known for her role in '
Anupamaa
', has teamed up with
PETA India
to advocate for the removal of
horse-drawn carriages
in Kolkata, urging
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
to adopt motorised e-carriages instead. The move follows alarming reports of horses collapsing on Kolkata’s streets, with at least eight fatalities in recent months attributed to overwork and neglect within the carriage industry.
Investigations by PETA India and the CAPE Foundation have revealed disturbing conditions for these horses, including malnutrition, anaemia, severe injuries, and unsanitary living conditions.
Ganguly highlighted the risks posed by horse-drawn carriages, citing public safety concerns and accidents involving both horses and humans. “The use of horses for carriage rides poses a risk to the public and a traffic hazard, too,” writes Ganguly. “Both horses and humans have been seriously injured. Appallingly, horses who sustain painful, serious injuries are often simply abandoned.”
Last year, a group of veterinarians and animal welfare advocates petitioned Banerjee to ban horse-drawn carriages, prompting the Animal Welfare Board of India to investigate reports of cruelty and issue directives for the animals' welfare under the PCA Act and Indian Penal Code.
In response to ongoing pressure, the Calcutta High Court recently instructed the West Bengal government to propose alternatives for carriage operators, similar to Mumbai’s transition to motorised e-carriages. These modern vehicles, reminiscent of vintage styles, have replaced traditional horse-drawn carriages in Mumbai, reflecting a shift towards humane and sustainable urban transportation practices.
Ganguly’s appeal underscores a growing consensus among advocates and authorities alike on the need for Kolkata to embrace animal-friendly alternatives, ensuring the welfare of horses and promoting safer, more sustainable modes of tourism in the city.
English (US) ·