As the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) accelerates the deployment of technologies in Kusunpur, a remote village in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, as part of the ‘Smart Village’ initiative, residents may soon receive alerts whenever crocodiles stray dangerously close to their homes.

The CSIR laboratories are planning to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled wild animal detection and alert system aimed at mitigating human-animal conflict. The proposed AI system is likely to be installed at two key entry points to the village.

Kendrapara has witnessed one of the worst rates of human-crocodile conflicts in the State, with more than 20 fatalities reported over the past four years.

The village is set to witness a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade, including a renovated water gate facility, an underground drainage system, a reconstructed community building, community toilets, and a revamped cremation centre. Roads will be developed using innovative methods, including cold mix technology, waste plastic road technology, and cement grouted bituminous mix.

Beyond basic infrastructure, Kusunpur is expected to emerge as a hub for green livelihoods. Over time, the initiative could generate a range of green jobs, while encouraging local entrepreneurs to explore sustainable business opportunities, thereby enhancing incomes.

Human-reptile conflict in Odisha: when crocodiles attack

Aligned with the CSIR’s guiding ‘lab to land’ principle, a suite of technologies has been proposed for deployment in the village. These include dry flower processing, production of value-added crispy fruits through freeze-drying, and the development of nutritious food products to combat malnutrition. Other initiatives include biodegradable tableware, small-scale processing units, herbal floor-cleaning liquids, mosquito repellent lotions, and scented candles made from natural beeswax. Plans also include the installation of brick and block-making machines, village-scale rice and moong dal (green gram) milling units, and a scientifically designed parboiled rice processing unit.

“Over the next three years, scientists from 17 CSIR laboratories will visit Kusunpur to ensure smooth deployment of these technologies for the village’s overall development,” CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Director Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, who visited the village on Sunday (June 14, 2026), said.

Human-croc conflict impacting life in Odisha

“The fundamental rationale behind creating smart villages is to integrate them into India’s growth story. While India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world, it still trails significantly behind the top two economies — the United States and China. Bridging this gap will require contributions from all sectors. At present, urban centres are the primary drivers of job creation and economic growth, but villages must also play a vital role,” Mr. Ramancharla said.

Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, said his laboratory would pitch in with sustainable water filters and smokeless chullahs (stoves) for Kusunpur.

Natural resource mapping, need assessment, and consultations with villagers have been completed, Kishor S. Kulkarni, Principal Scientist, CBRI, and the nodal official for the implementation of the ‘Smart Village’ initiative for Kusunpur, said.