The Digha and Sankarpur Development Authority on Friday banned the operation of tourist horses on all beaches in Old and New Digha, putting an end to a long-standing tradition in the East Midnapore tourist town.

The ban affects roughly 250 horses already stationed on the beach and owned by families who have been in the trade for the last few decades.

“The amount of waste generated by horses is causing a problem in the maintenance of beaches,” said a DSDA official, explaining that horse excreta is routinely found washed up in the shallow seas or in mounds on the sea side, where tourists would otherwise roam.

The new legislation will even ban the harbouring of horses in the nearby forest.

“The government should give us alternative employment if they are going to take such a step. I am a third-generation operator, and should have some recourse,” said Sheikh Aidul. “The lockdown has made things bad to worse for us over the last two years. This would be a nail in the coffin,” he added.

Uttara Chaudhuri, Jalpaiguri resident , said the horse ride in Digha was an indelible part for children.

Manas Mondal, the DSDA executive officer, defended the ban. “Horses on occasions have trampled down tourists. Above all, the waste is the main problem, which has to be solved if Digha is to prosper.”