Odisha's First Smart Village Initiative Launched in Kusunpur
In a landmark move for rural development, Odisha is poised to establish its inaugural "smart village" in Kusunpur, located within the Rajnagar block of Kendrapada district. This community, comprising 130 families and a population of 700, will serve as a pioneering model for technology-driven, sustainable living in India.
CSIR's Mission-Mode Project for Viksit Bharat@2047
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Bharat@2047," the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, officially launched a mission-mode project on Monday. This initiative is designed to transform Kusunpur into a smart village, emphasizing practical solutions through collaboration between CSIR research institutions, local administration, and implementation partners.
The project leverages indigenous technologies to foster self-reliant, sustainable, and resilient villages across the nation. Key aspects include scientific solutions for household paddy storage and other agricultural innovations.
Key Attendees and Exhibition Highlights
The launch event saw participation from notable figures, including Ramancharla Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee; Collector Raghuram R Iyer; and Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT in Bhubaneswar. Organized with support from the district administration and project partners, the program featured an exhibition showcasing proposed technologies from various CSIR laboratories.
During the event, a detailed project report for the Kusunpur smart village was unveiled, outlining the comprehensive deployment plan for these advanced technologies.
Comprehensive Development Initiatives
The smart village project encompasses multiple facets of rural life, with specific roles assigned to different CSIR institutes:
- CSIR-CBRI: Will focus on strengthening village infrastructure, including climate-resilient schools, anganwadi buildings, community toilets, and overall village planning.
- CSIR-CEERI: Aims to promote renewable energy, clean cooking fuel, and safe drinking water solutions, as highlighted by Director Ramanuj Narayan.
- CSIR-NIIST: Plans to introduce solar sharing agrivoltaics, integrating solar energy with agriculture for enhanced sustainability.
- SERC: Will support the construction of a multipurpose cyclone shelter, addressing regional climate challenges.
- CSIR-CLRI: Will provide training in leather products, utilizing materials like fish and chicken feet leather, alongside promoting Odisha's ethnic textiles.
This holistic approach ensures that the smart village not only adopts modern technologies but also enhances local livelihoods and resilience against environmental threats.
A Step Towards National Rural Transformation
The Kusunpur smart village initiative marks a significant step in India's journey towards sustainable rural development. By integrating scientific research with community needs, it sets a precedent for future projects aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide and fostering inclusive growth under the Viksit Bharat@2047 framework.
