The CSIR SMART VILLAGE: An Initiative was inaugurated today at Kusunpur Village, Rajnagar Block, Kendrapara District, Odisha, 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 research institutions, local administration, and implementation partners.

The event was graced remotely by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General, CSIR, as the chief guest. Shri Raghuram R. Iyer, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Kendrapara, was also present, along with senior scientists and institutional 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, 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 organized with the support of administrative officials of the Government of Odisha and the project implementation partner, Shri Santanu Chakraborty, CEO of Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India), along with Mr. Madhusmit Pati, Secretary of Nature’s Club.

Distinguished dignitaries present at the event included Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar. The programme was also attended by scientists and technical staff from several CSIR laboratories, officials from the Government of Odisha, representatives from the project implementation partner organization, and members from corporate and industry sectors, and Kusunpur villagers. 

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.

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