Smart Village initiative The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) has begun introducing advanced technologies in Kusunpur, a remote village in Kendrapara district of Odisha, as part of its Smart Village programme. Under this initiative, villagers may soon receive real-time warnings if crocodiles move close to human settlements, improving safety in the region. About Smart Village initiative A Smart Village is a rural development model that uses modern technology and innovation to enhance living standards. It aims to build rural communities that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, while improving access to essential services. The project in Kusunpur has been launched under the guidance of the Ministry of Science and Technology and is aligned with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”. It represents a mission mode effort to modernize rural life through science and technology. Key features of a Smart Village include: Digital Infrastructure: Strong internet connectivity, digital awareness, and online governance systems to deliver services efficiently. Sustainable Agriculture: Use of modern farming methods, promotion of value-added agriculture, and encouragement of organic farming practices. Healthcare and Education: Better access to medical services through telemedicine and improved learning through digital education tools. Physical Infrastructure: Development of roads, reliable electricity, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities to improve living conditions. Community Involvement: Active participation of villagers in planning and decision-making for local development. Financial Inclusion: Availability of banking services, microfinance options, and digital payment systems to support economic growth. First smart village in india Kusunpur village in Kendrapara district is set to become the first Smart Village in Odisha under this initiative, marking a significant step by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research toward technology-driven and sustainable rural transformation. Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Context: India and France on Sunday launched the India-France ATL Bridge,…
