Bhubaneshwar, March 17 (NationPress) In an exciting development, the coastal village of Kushunupur in the Kendrapara district has been chosen as a 'Smart Village' under the auspices of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), bringing joy to the local populace.

As part of the CSIR initiative, six villages nationwide have been designated as exemplary 'Smart Villages' with a focus on fostering scientific innovation, enhancing agriculture, empowering rural communities, improving nutrition, and establishing technology-driven leadership.

The six villages selected include Bhada in Gujarat, Chumathang in Leh-Ladakh, Joharat in Assam, Janakpur in Madhya Pradesh, Sawaipura in Rajasthan, and Kushunupur in Odisha.

Utilizing the 'Lab to Land' strategy, the CSIR will implement scientific advancements to enhance both livelihoods and infrastructure within these villages.

Chosen in 2025 from various climatic zones across the country, these villages will serve as 'live laboratories' where innovative scientific solutions will be trialed and executed.

A dedicated team of scientists is already engaging with community members to learn about their lifestyles, challenges, and available resources.

Assisting in the fieldwork is Nature's Club, a local voluntary organization, which has discussed the project's objectives and ambitions over the next three years.

Madhusmita Pati, Secretary of Nature's Club, mentioned that innovations cultivated in CSIR laboratories throughout the nation will be introduced in Kushunupur. If successful, these models could be expanded to other areas.

The Kendrapara district includes approximately 1,592 revenue villages.

The foundation of the Smart Village was inaugurated by Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R. Iyer, who served as the chief guest. The village is home to 135 families, with a total population of around 738 individuals, including men, women, and children.

Locals are optimistic that the project will tackle persistent issues such as water scarcity, irrigation deficits, low agricultural productivity, youth unemployment, and inadequate educational infrastructure.

Resident Prabhat Rout emphasized that the community is not looking for handouts but instead desires job opportunities and support for marketing local products.

Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR's Odisha laboratory, stated that the goal of the initiative is to bring scientific advancements directly to rural populations.

He explained that Kushunupur was selected as a model village due to its distinct geographical features, including its closeness to forests, rivers, and the ocean.

Narayan pointed out that a 'smart village' encompasses not just digital technologies but also the cultivation of knowledge, skills, and improved education for both children and women.

Kendrapara Collector Iyer added that CSIR operates 16 specialized laboratories that span various sectors, from agriculture to livelihoods.

Scientists have already conducted surveys in the village, and training programs for farmers and residents are set to commence next week.

This initiative will also encourage waste recycling, initiatives for a plastic-free village, awareness campaigns, and economic empowerment through scientific advancements.

The Smart Village project is anticipated to greatly enhance living standards in Kushunupur and serve as a benchmark for rural development across other regions in the country.

Notably, this project is led by the CSIR, an autonomous entity under the Indian government chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.