Reaction from the field
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is making significant strides in sustainable infrastructure and drone technology. Their latest initiatives aim to convert industrial waste into valuable resources, addressing pressing environmental concerns while supporting India’s infrastructure growth.
Leading the charge, the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) is focusing on the utilization of Waste Foundry Sand in road construction. This innovative approach not only promotes environmentally sustainable practices but also reduces dependency on natural aggregates. The collaboration with the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) aims to develop effective solutions for this waste, which is a by-product of the metal casting industry.
India’s largest foundry cluster, located in Coimbatore, generates significant quantities of foundry sand waste, estimated to be produced by around 800–1000 foundry units. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, a key figure in this initiative, emphasized, “The utilization of industrial by-products like Waste Foundry Sand in road construction reflects CSIR’s commitment to sustainable development and circular economy.” This project is set to transform waste into a valuable infrastructure resource.
In parallel, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has transferred technology for the QPlane eVTOL drone to KRR Aerospace. This drone is designed for multi-sector use, including defense, agriculture, and logistics, featuring fully electric propulsion and vertical take-off and landing capabilities. With an operational range of around 20 km, the QPlane eVTOL drone represents a leap forward in drone technology.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar from CSIR-CRRI stated, “CSIR-CRRI has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and innovative road technologies.” The collaboration with IIF and Suyog Elements is expected to enhance industry outreach and technical expertise, further promoting sustainable infrastructure solutions.
As these initiatives unfold, they align with the Government of India’s vision of a circular economy and green infrastructure. Sushil Sharma remarked, “This project aims to address these challenges by enabling the scientific reuse of foundry sand in road construction, thereby converting waste into a valuable infrastructure resource.” Collaborative R&D initiatives like this are crucial for transforming waste into valuable resources.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of these initiatives, but the potential for significant advancements in sustainable practices is clear. The commitment from CSIR and its partners marks a pivotal step towards a greener future for India, setting a precedent for similar projects worldwide.
