Chennai, Oct 6 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially launched the state’s second specialized village for mahouts at the historic Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp located in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi. This initiative is designed to offer modern housing and welfare amenities for the tribal mahouts and elephant caretakers who are integral to the state’s renowned elephant management heritage.

As per an official announcement, this new village comprises 47 staff quarters specifically built for mahouts and their families. This follows the establishment of India’s inaugural mahout village at Theppakadu in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve earlier this year.

CM Stalin inaugurated the Kozhikamuthi project via virtual means. Kozhikamuthi, one of the most ancient and celebrated elephant camps in India, currently looks after 24 elephants.

The elephants are managed by mahouts hailing from indigenous communities, whose expertise and skills have been inherited through generations. To further merge tradition with contemporary practices, the state government has revised service rules to facilitate the direct hiring of kavadis (elephant assistants) from tribal populations, ensuring that their traditional knowledge continues to influence elephant conservation and management.

The upgraded camp also features new visitor-friendly elements such as an elephant viewing gallery and a safe walkway to enhance eco-tourism while safeguarding the habitat.

A key sustainability effort is the setup of a solar-powered microgrid equipped with advanced battery storage, ensuring a continuous and eco-friendly power supply.

Initiated by the State Planning Commission at an expenditure of Rs 3.5 crore, the system includes a 124 kWp solar plant, a 516 kWh battery bank, and a 100 kW inverter, guaranteeing energy availability even during monsoon and cloudy conditions.

Notable officials, including Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment and Forests, and Srinivas R. Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), were present at the inauguration. State representatives stated that the project embodies Tamil Nadu’s enduring dedication to conserving its elephants and supporting the communities that care for them.

By integrating modern infrastructure, renewable energy, and respect for traditional skills, the Kozhikamuthi Mahout Village is poised to establish a new standard for compassionate wildlife management and sustainable eco-tourism in India.