THESE NEWLY BUILT HOUSES ARE A WELCOME RELIEF FOR UNSUNG HEROES OF ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

At the heart of the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Udhagamandalam, a dedicated township has been created for mahout and 'kavadi' families that take care of the elephants.

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For ages, they lived in dilapidated houses. Rooted in the “cultural sensitivities” of the Adivasis, the new houses have been built with modern techniques and comforts

For ages, the mahouts and ‘kavadis’ in Udhagamandalam lived in dilapidated houses with minimum facilities. Last week, however, at the heart of the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, the more than 40 mahout and ‘kavadi’ families, which take care of the camp’s elephants, were busy moving into their new homes.

In between preparing for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s visit to the camp on May 13, the mahouts spoke to journalists about how the newly constructed houses, a stone’s throw away from the main elephant camp, is a step towards ensuring the safety and welfare of the Forest Department’s most understated cadre.

“We live in the settlements around the camp, in dilapidated houses that lack sanitation and amenities. These newly constructed houses are a welcome relief, especially if we need to rush to the camp in the evening hours, when wildlife movement is high,” said a mahout.

Streets named after elephants