Kusunpur Set to Become Odisha’s First Smart Village

Kusunpur village in Odisha’s Kendrapada district is set to become the state’s first “smart village” under a technology-driven rural development initiative led by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The project aims to integrate modern technologies into everyday life and agriculture, creating a sustainable and self-reliant rural ecosystem. The village, located in Rajnagar block, has around 130 families and a population of nearly 700 people.

CSIR launches mission-mode development project

The smart village initiative has been launched as a mission-mode project by the Ministry of Science and Technology through CSIR. The programme aligns with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047,” which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of independence. The project seeks to demonstrate how scientific innovations can improve rural infrastructure, livelihoods, and resilience through coordinated efforts between research institutions and local authorities.

Technologies for sustainable rural living

The initiative will introduce a range of indigenous technologies designed to improve daily life and agricultural practices. One such innovation includes scientific solutions for improved household paddy storage to reduce post-harvest losses. Renewable energy systems, clean cooking fuel solutions, and safe drinking water technologies will also be introduced to enhance living standards in the village.

Infrastructure and livelihood improvements

Several CSIR institutions will collaborate to develop critical infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. The CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) will focus on climate-resilient infrastructure such as schools, anganwadi centres, community toilets, and village planning. Other institutions will support renewable energy solutions, agrivoltaic systems for farming, and construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters to improve disaster preparedness.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• CSIR is one of India’s largest research and development organisations with multiple specialised laboratories across the country.
• The concept of “smart villages” focuses on technology-driven rural development and sustainable resource use.
• Kendrapada district is located in the coastal region of Odisha and is vulnerable to cyclones from the Bay of Bengal.

Skill development and rural enterprise

The programme will also focus on skill development and local entrepreneurship. CSIR-CLRI will provide training in leather product manufacturing, including innovative products made from fish and chicken feet leather. Training in Odisha’s ethnic textile production will also be promoted to create livelihood opportunities. Through such initiatives, the smart village model aims to combine technology, sustainability, and local economic development in rural India.