Inauguration of the Second Mahout Village
Second Mahout Village in Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister inaugurated the Second Mahout Village at the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp located within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. This initiative marks a major step in improving the welfare of mahouts and captive elephants.
The village is designed to offer better housing, sanitation, and healthcare facilities for mahouts and their families. It aims to preserve traditional elephant-handling knowledge while providing modern amenities to improve their quality of life.
Static GK fact: The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, earlier known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated in the Western Ghats and is one of Tamil Nadu’s largest protected areas.
Significance of Mahout Villages
The establishment of mahout villages reflects the state’s commitment to both wildlife conservation and human welfare. By ensuring that mahouts live in hygienic and stable environments, Tamil Nadu sets an example for other states to follow.
The first Mahout Village in India was inaugurated in 2025 at Theppakadu within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. It became a model for integrating traditional elephant care practices with modern development initiatives.
Static GK Tip: The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve shares its boundaries with Karnataka’s Bandipur and Kerala’s Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries, forming a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Sustainable Power through Solar Microgrid
A key highlight of the project is the installation of a solar-powered microgrid by the State Planning Commission. The project, implemented at a cost of ₹3.5 crore, ensures uninterrupted power supply to the camp and the village without harming the forest ecosystem.
This aligns with Tamil Nadu’s vision of green energy transition and sustainable forest development. Solar power reduces dependency on diesel generators, cutting carbon emissions and operational costs.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu ranks among India’s top three states in renewable energy capacity, with significant investments in solar and wind energy sectors.
Enhancing Elephant and Mahout Welfare
The village will serve as a training and welfare hub for mahouts, offering veterinary care and periodic training sessions on scientific elephant management. It also provides educational facilities for the children of mahout families, ensuring social upliftment along with wildlife protection.
This initiative builds on Tamil Nadu’s legacy of elephant conservation and community-based wildlife management, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Second Mahout Village in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location | Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp, Anamalai Tiger Reserve |
| Inaugurated by | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister |
| Year of inauguration | 2025 |
| First Mahout Village | Theppakadu, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve |
| Cost of solar microgrid | ₹3.5 crore |
| Implemented by | State Planning Commission |
| Objective | Welfare of mahouts and captive elephants |
| Energy source | Solar-powered microgrid |
| Region significance | Part of Western Ghats, biodiversity hotspot |
| Conservation focus | Sustainable management of elephants and forest ecosystem |
