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Tamil Nadu Inaugurates Second Mahout Village at Anamalai’s Kozhikamuthi Camp

The initiative links mahout welfare with renewable power plus formal recognition of indigenous expertise.

Overview

  • Built at a cost of ₹5.4 crore, the new village provides 47 staff quarters for mahouts and elephant caretakers.
  • A ₹3.5 crore solar microgrid with a 124 kWp array, 516 kWh battery bank, and 100 kW inverter now delivers uninterrupted power to homes and the camp.
  • Revised service rules allow direct recruitment of kavadis from indigenous communities to secure generational knowledge within official roles.
  • The project follows the first dedicated mahout village established at Theppakadu in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve earlier this year.
  • Kozhikamuthi, which houses 24 elephants, has added a viewing gallery and a visitor walkway to support care and managed public access.