CSIR is spearheading initiatives that integrate sustainable practices in infrastructure and drone technology, significantly impacting waste management and resource utilization.
Reaction from the field
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is making significant strides in transforming India’s infrastructure landscape through innovative and sustainable practices. By focusing on the utilization of industrial by-products, particularly Waste Foundry Sand, CSIR is addressing critical environmental challenges while contributing to the nation’s infrastructure development.
One of the key initiatives is led by the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), which is collaborating with the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) and Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd. to develop solutions that incorporate Waste Foundry Sand into road construction. This initiative not only aims to reduce the dependency on natural aggregates but also promotes environmentally sustainable practices in the construction sector.
Waste Foundry Sand, a by-product of the metal casting industry, poses a significant disposal challenge, particularly in regions like Coimbatore, which houses around 800 to 1000 foundry units. The Coimbatore foundry cluster is the largest in India, generating substantial quantities of foundry sand waste. CSIR-CRRI’s project seeks to convert this waste into a valuable resource for infrastructure, thereby supporting the Government of India’s vision of a circular economy.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, a prominent figure in this initiative, emphasized the importance of utilizing industrial by-products in sustainable development. “The utilization of industrial by-products like Waste Foundry Sand in road construction reflects CSIR’s commitment to sustainable development and circular economy,” she stated. This collaborative effort aims to transform waste into valuable resources while simultaneously supporting the nation’s infrastructure growth.
In addition to sustainable road construction, CSIR is also making waves in the drone technology sector. The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has transferred technology for the QPlane eVTOL drone to KRR Aerospace for mass production. This drone is designed for multi-sector applications, including defense, agriculture, and logistics, showcasing its versatility and potential impact across various industries.
The QPlane eVTOL drone features fully electric propulsion and vertical take-off and landing capabilities, making it an innovative solution for modern transportation challenges. With an operational range of approximately 20 km, it is poised to enhance efficiency in sectors that rely on quick and reliable logistics. Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar from CSIR-CRRI remarked, “CSIR-CRRI has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and innovative road technologies,” highlighting the organization’s commitment to advancing infrastructure through cutting-edge solutions.
As these initiatives unfold, they are expected to pave the way for more sustainable practices in infrastructure development and waste management in India. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scale of implementation and the potential long-term impacts of these technologies. The collaboration between CSIR and various industry stakeholders signifies a promising direction towards a more sustainable future.
