Do vehicles replace with Tongas?

Following the appeal by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce the consumption of petroleum products through austerity measures, many political and social personalities across the country have started supporting the cause through various ways and means.

In the same context, Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma has also extended support to PM Modi’s call by taking a traditional tonga ride in the Valley and endorsing that such transport systems are among the best ways to reduce fuel consumption.

Sharing a video on social media, the minister urged people to support the ongoing austerity campaign and adopt alternative means of transport instead of relying excessively on vehicles. As far as tonga rides are concerned, people can experience the same as joy rides because it is not feasible for anyone to make use of this archaic mode of transport in modern times.

Of course, the people should understand the message behind this call by the J&K Minister to adopt other modes like public transport, electric vehicles, cycling and carpooling, but inviting tongas back on J&K’s roads is not at all a practical idea. This horse cart cannot be owned and sustained easily by common people who already struggle with space constraints, rising maintenance costs and lack of facilities for caring for animals. There is hardly any room in urban areas for keeping horses or maintaining the wooden structure of such antique vehicles. Besides, roads across the Union Territory cannot be allowed to be soiled with horse dung, which is a common issue in places where such carts are widely used. It appears that the Cabinet Minister made the appeal without properly assessing the practical difficulties and changing realities of modern transportation systems. Symbolic gestures certainly carry value, but presenting them as workable alternatives for the masses can create confusion instead of awareness.

At the same time, the concern regarding rising fuel consumption is genuine and deserves serious attention. India spends huge amounts on importing crude oil, and unnecessary fuel usage directly affects the economy as well as household budgets. Therefore, citizens must adopt responsible habits such as avoiding unnecessary travel, maintaining vehicles properly and preferring shared or public transport whenever possible. However, solutions to modern challenges must also be modern, scientific and sustainable rather than emotional or nostalgic.

While consuming petrol and diesel judiciously is the need of the hour, switching over to tongas is neither practical nor suitable in today’s time. The government should instead focus on improving public transport outreach, promoting electric vehicles, installing charging stations at various places and encouraging modern, environment-friendly and sustainable options for the future.