CSIR to Provide Technical Expertise for Developing Model Resilient Village in Sil, HP
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Bal Raksha Bharat, and Zee Entertainment, will provide technical expertise and knowledge support to redevelop the Model Resilient Village at Sil/Sunani in Bawasni Gram Panchayat, Baddi, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The foundation stone for the project was laid on January 20, 2025, with the goal of preparing the village for future resilience through a comprehensive redevelopment plan.

The initiative focuses on establishing essential infrastructure, including housing, schools, anganwadis, healthcare facilities, community centers, and support systems for livelihoods and agriculture. It also marks a significant step toward rebuilding and strengthening resilience in disaster-affected areas following the devastating cloudburst-induced landslide that struck the region on August 14, 2023, causing extensive loss of property and livelihoods.
Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR, and Director General of CSIR, attended the event as the Chief Guest. She highlighted the initiative's transformative vision to uplift rural living standards by improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities. She also reiterated CSIR’s commitment to providing technical expertise and knowledge support for similar projects across the country.
An exhibition showcasing resilient, site-specific construction technologies for buildings and livelihoods, developed through extensive post-disaster research, was a key highlight of the event. Visitors commended the innovative and forward-looking habitat planning and design approaches displayed.
Dignitaries interacted with local residents, including women and children, to understand the specific needs of the community. Representatives of the local administration pledged continued support to ensure the initiative's success. 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.
Shri Ram Kumar Chaudhary, Member of the Legislative Assembly, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Other key dignitaries included Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI; Shri Avinash Singh from Bal Raksha Bharat; Shalini Kotiya from Zee Entertainment; Shri Manmohan Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Solan; Shri Vinod Kumar Dhiman, Superintendent of Police, Baddi; and Shri Vivek Mahajan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Baddi. Directors of CSIR-CSIO and CSIR-IMTECH, Prof. Shantanu Bhattacharya and Dr. Sanjeev Khosla, respectively, were also present.