New Delhi, Dec 5 (DHNS): A ray of hope emerged on the resumption of the banned Kambala (slush track he-buffalo race) following the Centre’s plan to grant permission for such sporting activities involving animals without torturing them.

With pressure from various states on the Government of India to grant permission to traditional sporting activities such as the bullock-cart race and buffalo race, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar told reporters here on Thursday that “animals should not be tortured under the pretext of sporting activity. The government is considering granting permission if this condition is met.”

Responding to a question on banning of traditional folk sport using animals, the minister said the conduct of bullock-cart races or all performances of bulls have been a regular feature as an entertainment sport in several states, including Maharashtra. However, under the pretext of the sport, nobody should torture the animals and endanger their lives. If this condition is met, the Centre may consider granting permission for such sports, he said.

Kambala is a popular traditional folk sport in coastal Karnataka.

The ban was imposed by the Department of Animal husbandry and Veterinary Sciences based on a Supreme Court order dated May 7, 2014, and the direction of the Animal Welfare Board of India.