India’s first mahout village inaugurated at Theppakadu, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the village on May 14, at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp located inside the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. It has 44 eco-friendly houses and solar-powered lighting.
On May 14, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated India's first dedicated mahout village at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, which is housed within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. This initiative, comprising 44 eco-friendly houses constructed at a cost of Rs 5.6 crore, aims to enhance the living conditions of
mahouts and elephant caretakers belonging predominantly to tribal communities—also known as cavadies.
According to a post by Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests on X, the village houses lanes named after the elephants, a basketball court, a children's playground, solar-powered lighting, and a protective solar fence. The design and amenities are said to have been developed in consultation with the mahouts to ensure the facilities meet their specific needs. Sahu told the media that the new houses are eco-friendly and in harmony with local building traditions.
This development follows a 2023 announcement by Chief Minister Stalin during a ceremony honoring Bomman and Bellie, the mahout couple featured in the Oscar-winning short film The Elephant Whisperers. A similar housing project with 47 greenhouses was previously completed at the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp.
The initiative aims to address longstanding concerns about the welfare of mahouts and captive elephants in Tamil Nadu. Studies have highlighted disparities in compensation and working conditions among mahouts, with those employed by the Forest Department receiving better support compared to their counterparts in temple or private settings.
Previously, Tamil Nadu had taken steps to improve elephant management practices, which included sending 13 mahouts and cavadies to Thailand for training in scientific elephant management.
The establishment of the mahout village represents a significant stride in integrating community welfare with wildlife conservation, ensuring that those who care for these animals are supported and valued.
Edited by Jyoti Narayan