CSIR Initiatives in New Delhi: Sustainable Infrastructure and Drone Technology
Reaction from the field
In a significant move towards sustainable development, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is spearheading initiatives in New Delhi that focus on utilizing waste foundry sand for road construction and advancing drone technology. These efforts not only aim to reduce environmental impact but also support the Government of India’s vision for a circular economy and green infrastructure.
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) is at the forefront of these efforts, collaborating with the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) and Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd. to develop innovative solutions for the effective use of waste foundry sand. This by-product of the metal casting industry is generated in large quantities, particularly from the Coimbatore foundry cluster, which is home to around 800–1000 foundry units. The collaboration aims to convert this waste into a valuable resource for infrastructure development, thereby promoting environmentally sustainable practices in road construction.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, a prominent figure in this initiative, emphasized the importance of utilizing industrial by-products like waste foundry sand. She stated, “The utilization of industrial by-products like Waste Foundry Sand in road construction reflects CSIR’s commitment to sustainable development and circular economy.” This sentiment is echoed by Sushil Sharma, who noted that the project seeks to address the challenges of waste management by enabling the scientific reuse of foundry sand, thus transforming it into a valuable infrastructure resource.
In addition to sustainable road construction, CSIR is also making strides in drone technology. The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has successfully 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, and features fully electric propulsion along with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. With an operational range of approximately 20 km, the QPlane eVTOL drone represents a significant advancement in environmentally friendly aerial technology.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar from CSIR-CRRI highlighted the importance of these collaborative R&D initiatives, stating, “CSIR-CRRI has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and innovative road technologies.” The partnership with IIF will not only facilitate industry outreach but also ensure that technical expertise is effectively utilized in promoting these sustainable practices.
The Coimbatore foundry cluster, recognized as India’s largest, generates substantial amounts of foundry sand waste, which poses environmental challenges. By addressing these challenges through innovative solutions, CSIR and its partners are paving the way for a more sustainable future. The initiative aims to significantly reduce the dependency on natural aggregates, thereby contributing to a greener infrastructure landscape.
As these initiatives unfold, the community can expect further developments in both sustainable infrastructure practices and drone technology. The collaboration between CSIR, IIF, and other stakeholders is poised to make a lasting impact on the way India approaches waste management and technological advancement in various sectors. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the mass production of the QPlane eVTOL drone, but the anticipation surrounding these projects continues to grow.
