Odisha village to get crocodile alert system under ‘Smart Village’ plan, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is implementing a 'Smart Village' plan in Kusunpur, a village in Odisha's Kendrapara district.
• A key feature of the plan is an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled wild animal detection and alert system to warn residents about straying crocodiles.
• Kendrapara district has experienced significant human-crocodile conflict, with over 20 fatalities reported in the last four years.
• The initiative includes comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and aims to foster green livelihoods and entrepreneurship in the village.
• Kusunpur is one of six pilot villages chosen across India for the CSIR Smart Village mission, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Detailed Insights:

• The AI-enabled crocodile alert system will be installed at two main entry points to Kusunpur to mitigate human-animal conflict.
• The village will receive infrastructure improvements such as a renovated water gate, underground drainage, community buildings, toilets, and a revamped cremation center.
• Road development will utilize innovative methods like cold mix technology, waste plastic road technology, and cement grouted bituminous mix.
• The initiative promotes green jobs and sustainable business opportunities, aiming to transform Kusunpur into a hub for green livelihoods.
• Technologies deployed include dry flower processing, freeze-drying for value-added fruits, and nutritious food product development to combat malnutrition.
• Other interventions involve biodegradable tableware, small-scale processing units, herbal cleaning liquids, mosquito repellents, and natural beeswax candles.
• Scientists from 17 CSIR laboratories will oversee the deployment of these technologies over the next three years, following the 'lab to land' principle.
• The CSIR Smart Village project aims to bring scientific innovations and practical solutions to rural communities for technology-driven and sustainable development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• CSIR Smart Village Initiative: A mission-mode project by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to transform rural areas into self-reliant, technology-enabled, and climate-resilient ecosystems.
• Human-Crocodile Conflict: Instances of negative interactions between humans and crocodiles, often resulting in fatalities or injuries, particularly in areas near crocodile habitats like Bhitarkanika National Park.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, used here for detection and alert systems.
• Lab to Land Principle: A guiding philosophy to transfer scientific research and technological innovations from laboratories directly to rural communities for practical application and benefit.