Bhubaneswar, March 18: The CSIR Smart Village was inaugurated at Kusunpur under Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards promoting technology-driven and sustainable rural development. The initiative aims to bring scientific innovations and practical solutions to rural communities through collaboration between research institutions, local administration, and implementation partners.
The event was graced by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General, CSIR. Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R. Iyer, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, along with senior scientists and institutional representatives from participating CSIR laboratories also graced the event.
The programme was hosted by CSIR–Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI), Roorkee, under the leadership of Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, along with the Directors of the 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.
The programme was organised with the support of administrative officials of the Government of Odisha and the project implementation partner, Santanu Chakraborty, CEO of Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India), along with Madhusmit Pati, Secretary of Nature’s Club.
During the inaugural event, an exhibition was organized 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. By integrating science, innovation, and community participation, the CSIR Smart Village initiative aims to create a replicable model for resilient and inclusive rural development.
