In a significant step toward rebuilding and strengthening resilience in disaster-affected areas, the foundation stone for a Model Resilient Village was laid on January 20, 2025, at Sil/Sunani in Bawasni Gram Panchayat, Baddi, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh. This initiative follows the devastating cloudburst-induced landslide that struck the region on August 14, 2023, causing extensive loss of property and livelihoods.

The project, a collaborative effort by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Bal Raksha Bharat, and Zee Entertainment, aims to redevelop the village and prepare it for future resilience through a comprehensive redevelopment plan. The initiative focuses on creating essential infrastructure such as housing, schools, anganwadis, healthcare facilities, community centres, and support systems for livelihoods and agriculture.

Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR, and Director General, CSIR, was the Chief Guest for the occasion, while Shri Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Member of Legislative Assembly, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Key dignitaries, including Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director, CSIR-CBRI; Shri Avinash Singh, Bal Raksha Bharat; Ms. Shalini Kotiya, Zee Entertainment; Shri Manmohan Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Solan; Shri Vinod Kumar Dhiman, Superintendent of Police, Baddi; and Shri Vivek Mahajan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Baddi, participated in the event. Directors of CSIR-CSIO and CSIR-IMTECH, Prof. Shantanu Bhattacharya and Dr. Sanjeev Khosla, respectively, were also present.

Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted the initiative's transformative vision to uplift rural living standards by improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities. She reiterated CSIR’s commitment to providing technical expertise and knowledge support for similar projects across the country.

Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director, CSIR-CBRI, detailed CSIR’s technical contributions, including designing infrastructure like shelters, roads, drinking water systems, sanitation facilities, a health center, and a community hall.

An exhibition showcasing resilient, site-specific construction technologies for buildings and livelihoods, based on extensive post-disaster research, was a key highlight of the event. Visitors commended the innovations and the forward-looking habitat planning and design.

Dignitaries interacted with local residents, including women and children, to understand the specific needs of the community. Local administration representatives pledged continued support to ensure the success of the initiative.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents and panchayat members, who described the program as a historic step toward rural development and disaster preparedness.

This collaborative endeavour is a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to transforming disaster-hit areas into resilient communities, ensuring sustainable development and improved quality of life for its citizens.

***

NKR/ PSM

(Release ID: 2094608) Visitor Counter : 459