Snehashish roy
Actor Rupali Ganguly has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging a nationwide ban on elephant rides, following outrage over the death of a Rajasthan elephant that was painted pink for a photoshoot.
The development comes in the wake of widespread criticism after images of the elephant, identified as Chanchal, surfaced online. The animal was reportedly painted bright pink for a photoshoot in Jaipur, triggering debate over animal welfare practices. Chanchal has since been reported dead, further intensifying public reaction.
In her letter, Ganguly expressed concern over the treatment of elephants used for tourism and entertainment. She mourned the death of Chanchal and highlighted what she described as the routine exploitation of elephants in such activities.
The actor, who is also associated with animal rights advocacy and supports People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, called for immediate policy intervention. She urged the government to prohibit elephant rides and promote alternatives that do not involve live animals.
Ganguly suggested the adoption of technology-driven substitutes such as robot elephants for ceremonial or tourism purposes. According to her, such alternatives could help preserve cultural practices while eliminating harm to animals.
In her communication, she also referred to conditions at tourist locations such as Amer Fort in Rajasthan, where elephants are commonly used for rides. She cited reports indicating that these animals are often kept chained when not in use and controlled using tools that may cause physical and psychological distress.
The letter also mentioned an elephant named Malti, previously used for rides at Amer Fort, who was reportedly subjected to mistreatment before being relocated to a sanctuary following intervention by animal rights groups.
The controversy surrounding the “pink elephant” photoshoot has drawn attention from various quarters, including activists and public figures, sparking broader discussions on the use of animals in entertainment and tourism.
Ganguly’s appeal adds to ongoing calls for stricter regulations and enforcement of animal welfare laws in India. While there has been no official response from the Prime Minister’s Office, the issue continues to generate debate across social media and advocacy platforms.