Advancing CSIR’s Smart Village Initiative: IHBT Engagement in Jhundi Village (HP)

Under the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has identified Jhundi Village (Thunag Tehsil, District Mandi, HP) for its Mission Mode Project, “SMART VILLAGE.” This selection aligns with the overarching vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” and follows a rigorous technical assessment identifying the area’s acute developmental gaps and disaster-prone geography. Interventions will strictly focus on building disaster‑resilient infrastructure, enhancing bioresource utilization, and fostering economic growth via crop diversification. In furtherance of these objectives, a team from CSIR-IHBT visited the village from 28-30 September, 2026 to outline the execution roadmap.
During the visit, the team engaged directly with the villagers to explore local opportunities and discuss potential interventions in floriculture, beekeeping, and nutrition-focused programs. The primary objective was to identify scientifically feasible and locally adaptable solutions for Jhundi’s sustainable development. By prioritizing these tailored initiatives, the project aims to optimize the use of local resources, diversify household incomes, and bolster nutritional security. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to build local entrepreneurial skills and establish self-reliant livelihoods that generate lasting economic and social benefits for the community. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR‑IHBT encouraged the team to work closely with the local community and expressed confidence that the application of CSIR technologies in the selected villages would significantly improve the livelihoods of the rural population.