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.These organisations had been rallying for the removal of the horse carriages since the last five years.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. 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. “The heritage-style e-carriages would be a win-win solution for horse and human welfare and safety. 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.PETA and CAPE Foundation had moved the Calcutta High Court against the use of sick and feeble horses for tourist rides in Dec, 2021. “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. However, horse carriage owners say they will oppose such attempts.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. He raised doubts over the appeal of e-carriages among tourists.Md Feroz, another owner, pointed at the popularity of horse carriages at processions, weddings and other occasions. A similar phase-out attempt with the hand-pulled rickshaw by the then Left Front govt in 2005 had failed.
