RETURN OF HORSEPOWER

Commissioners of police moved around on horseback before H.G. Gell (1902-09) became the first one to use a motor car (1907).

- Dhaval S. Kulkarni

Almost a century after its disbandment and a touch-and-go attempt at its revival, the mounted unit of the Mumbai Police is expected to make a comeback in a new avatar later this year. In July, the Maharashtra government’s home department sanctioned over Rs 38 crore to procure horses and set up a stable and other facilities at Marol in the suburb. The proposal to raise the unit, comprising 30 horses, was approved by the state cabinet on July 5.

“After the government’s decision, we are working to improve the infrastructure, train manpower and induct new horses to start the mounted police unit of the Mumbai Police,” S. Jay Kumar, joint commissioner of police (administration), tells India Today. A senior police officer says the horses will be used for crowd regulation and patrolling on beaches and promenades such as Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu and Madh. “Policemen have the advantage of height while patrolling on horseback. Normally, we patrol at a height of over five feet while on foot. When astride a horse, we are at an even greater height and can see the entire crowd. The rider can also control the speed of his mount,” he explains. Using horses will also magnify the presence of the police at these locations and help control anti-social elements or a mob. Additionally, horses can enter and navigate areas where vehicles cannot be deployed.