Kendrapara: The CSIR SMART VILLAGE: An Initiative was inaugurated today at Kusunpur Village, Rajnagar Block, Kendrapara District, marking a significant step toward promoting technology-driven and sustainable rural development.

The initiative aims to bring scientific innovations and practical solutions to rural communities through collaboration between CSIR research institutions, local administration, and implementation partners.

The event was graced remotely by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General, CSIR, Raghuram R. Iyer, Collector and District Magistrate of Kendrapara, graced the occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of scientific representatives from participating CSIR laboratories.

The programme was hosted by CSIR–Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI), Roorkee, under the leadership of Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director, along with the representatives of participating CSIR laboratories, including CSIR-CIMAP, CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CEERI, CSIR-IICT, CSIR-CMERI, CSIR-SERC, CSIR-NEERI, CSIR-AMPRI, CSIR-CLRI, CSIR-NGRI, CSIR-CSIO, CSIR-CRRI, CSIR-CFTRI, and CSIR-IMMT. Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar was also present on this occasion. The programme was organized with the support of District administrative officials of the Government of Odisha and project implementation partner, Santanu Chakraborty, CEO of Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India), along with Madhusmit Pati, Secretary of Nature’s Club and Kusunpur villagers.

During the inaugural event, an exhibition was organised to showcase the proposed technologies from various CSIR laboratories that are planned to be deployed in the village, along with the unveiling of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Kusunpur Smart Village. 

The initiative showcases innovative technologies designed to strengthen rural infrastructure, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and access to essential services. 

CSIR is planning to deploy multiple technologies for the development of the village through its laboratories, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, NGOs, CSR-supported industries, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

CSIR-CBRI will strengthen village infrastructure such as climate-resilient schools, Anganwadi buildings, community toilets, and village planning. CSIR-CEERI will promote renewable energy, clean cooking fuel, and safe drinking water solutions. CSIR-CIMAP will support micro-enterprises through processing technologies, while CSIR-CMERI will provide technologies for daily life and agriculture.

CSIR-IHBT will address malnutrition by developing nutritious food products, and CSIR-IICT will install hand-pump operated ultra-filtration units for drinking water. CSIR-NIIST will introduce solar sharing agrovoltaics, and CSIR-SERC will support the construction of a multipurpose cyclone shelter.

CSIR-CFTRI will provide scientific solutions for household paddy storage and safe fumigation systems for large mandi grain storage. CSIR-NGRI will use 3DAC technology to identify freshwater and saline groundwater zones and suitable drilling locations. CSIR-IMMT will supply kilns and Terafil Water Filter.

CSIR-CSIO will implement AI-enabled wild animal detection and cyclone alert systems, while CSIR-NEERI will support a UCCW-based sewage treatment plant. CSIR-CLRI will provide training in leather products, including products made from fish/chicken feet leather and Odisha ethnic textiles.

By integrating science, innovation, and community participation, the CSIR Smart Village initiative aims to create a replicable model for resilient and inclusive rural development.