With a complete ban on horse-drawn carriages by the Bombay High Court, this positive order will only bring about an end to a centuries-old colonial tradition
Mumbaikars and tourists who pay a visit to the iconic Gateway of India will soon miss the sight of the historic horse carriages, popularly known as the victorias. A ride, which is nothing less than excruciating for the horses, will finally witness a complete ban within a year, as per the High Court's Order.
Not a joyful ride
Citing animal cruelty, an NGO filed a PIL against Victoria horse carriages. They stated that the horses that pull these carriages are not taken care of and malnourished, and later used for joyrides, which amounts to cruelty.
Dr. Manilal Valliyate, PETA India Director of Veterinary Affairs, shares, "The High Court's decision is an important victory, both for the horses who will soon, no longer be forced to haul heavy loads through Mumbai's busy streets, and for the passersby, who will no longer risk being injured or killed because of these dangerous contraptions and the traffic hazard they cause.”
The High Court has directed the BMC to ensure that these horse-driven carriages across the city should be stopped completely in about a year, and the 700 families that depend on this profession for money should be rehabilitated.
End of an era
These colourful and fancy horse-drawn carriages were introduced during Queen Victoria’s reign, and are nothing but a remnant of the colonial era. While the order has received roaring positive response across every strata of society, people also echo the thought that these victorias, known to be a part of Mumbai’s heritage, will be missed. The good part is that the animals who draw these carriages can now rest, and will hopefully be treated better.
Melissa Fernandes, who works in Worli, shares, “I am extremely happy and support the HC order as the horses are ill-treated and not fed well. However, I do feel that the carriages on a whole will be missed,
as they were synonymous to ‘Bombay’, and the Victorian era.”
Dr Maitri Patel, who works at King’s Circle, opines, “I feel that for almost everyone, be it a Mumbaikar or a tourist who visits the city, horse-drawn carriages are an attraction. It has been a part of the city’s cultural image for over a century now, and so it will be missed. Nonetheless, we shouldn’t forget that this order was the need of the hour.”
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