Post-Flood Resilience Initiatives In Assam Under CSIR Smart Village Mission

Jorhat, Assam, 22 September 2026: In response to devastating floods impacting numerous Assam villages, the CSIR Smart Village Mission launched targeted interventions in Junakimandal Village, Titabor, Jorhat. This initiative seeks to foster post-disaster recovery via scientific and technological measures, while enhancing the long-term resilience of rural communities.

Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, CSIR Smart Village Mission Director, delegated the task to Dr. Kishor S. Kulkarni and a team from CSIR-CBRI to evaluate community requirements. The team, consisting of Dr. Chandan Swaroop Meena, Dr. R. Siva Chidambaram, Ar. Nisha, Dr. Sumit, Ms. Arundhati, Mr. Anuj, and Mr. Pritom, conducted a field survey to gauge structural and non-structural damage and pinpoint susceptible building elements.

Following the assessment, retrofitting and strengthening suggestions were proposed to enhance the safety and flood resilience of existing houses.

A workshop titled “Awas Saksham: Technology Demonstration for PMAY-G Beneficiaries” was held for the local community and officials. Over 150 attendees learned about CSIR-developed technologies aimed at constructing safer, affordable, durable, and disaster-resilient rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G). Special attention was given to repair and retrofitting, plinth protection walls, non-eroded mud plaster, fire-retardant thatch roofs, and bamboo houses due to the region's vulnerability.

Experts from CSIR-CBRI also showcased solar-assisted hybrid technology for rural development, including an energy-efficient solar-assisted hybrid system for water heating, space conditioning, and kitchens. This system can conserve up to 75% of energy compared to traditional methods, decrease reliance on grid electricity, and promote clean energy. Developed and validated by Dr. Chandan Swaroop Meena at CSIR-CBRI, the system is now prepared for field deployment.

Additionally, CSIR-CBRI presented a portable brick-block making technology to foster local employment and bolster rural construction capacity. This machine can produce bricks and blocks in bulk using locally sourced materials and operates either manually or electrically. The technology, developed by Dr. R.S. Bisht, Dr. Siddharth, and Dr. S.K. Panigrahi, has been utilized in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam.

To bolster local technical skills, CSIR-CBRI plans to conduct training programs for masons and construction workers in the village. The training will familiarize locals with safe, scientific construction techniques and provide hands-on experience with modern practices. These efforts exemplify the CSIR Smart Village Mission's commitment to translating innovation "from the lab to the field," supporting post-flood recovery, enhancing rural infrastructure, and promoting locally suitable, affordable, and resilient technologies for a Viksit Bharat 2047.