CSIR - Central Building Research Institute

CSIR SMART Village Mission Mode Project

Bulletin 8: CSIR-CEERI Conducts Water Quality Awareness and Capacity Building Program in Sawaipura Smart Village

CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CEERI), Pilani, organized a field-level water quality assessment and awareness campaign at CSIR Sawaipura Smart Village, Pali District, Rajasthan, on April 24, 2026. The program focused on demonstrating the use of the “JALPRAYOGSHALA” multi-parameter drinking water testing device and educating villagers about the significance of safe and hygienic drinking water practices.

During the event, the CSIR-CEERI team conducted real-time testing of water samples collected from multiple households and nearby pond sources within the village. The demonstrations showcased how the JALPRAYOGSHALA device can rapidly analyze various water quality indicators essential for determining the suitability of water for drinking purposes. Villagers actively participated in the sessions and gained valuable insights into identifying unsafe water sources and maintaining household water safety.

The technical training and live demonstrations were led by Mr. Devendra Prajapati and Prof. Suraj Kumar Mukhiya from CSIR-CEERI. A dedicated hands-on capacity-building session was organized for Mrs. Dhapu Devi, the village ASHA worker, to ensure that the community can independently continue periodic monitoring of drinking water quality. The practical training emphasized sample collection techniques, operation of the device, interpretation of testing results, and awareness regarding waterborne health risks.

As part of the outreach initiative, one JALPRAYOGSHALA device kit was handed over to the ASHA worker to facilitate regular monitoring activities in the village. Additionally, analytical reports of tested water samples from village households and pond sources were provided to the respective residents and stakeholders to support informed decision-making regarding water consumption and treatment practices.

The initiative represents an important step toward integrating scientific technologies with grassroots community engagement under the CSIR Smart Village mission. Through such interventions, CSIR-CEERI aims to promote public health awareness, strengthen rural water quality management systems, and empower local communities with accessible technological solutions for sustainable development.









CSIR, India; Ramancharla Pradeep Kumar;

CSIR-CBRI Technology: Transforming Granite Slurry into Sustainable Materials

Granite processing in India generates a significant amount of waste in the form of slurry, powder, chips, and rejected blocks. In India, particularly in Rajasthan, the granite processing industry processes approximately 25 million tonnes of granite annually and generates nearly 16-18 million tonnes of granite waste. Instead of treating this as a disposal challenge, innovative research at CSIR-Central Building Research Institute is transforming granite waste into high-strength valorized paver blocks for sustainable construction applications.

The developed paver blocks:
- Utilize granite waste, including slurry and chips, as a 100% replacement for natural aggregates
- Achieve strength grades from M30 to M50, as per IS 15658
- Offer low water absorption and high abrasion resistance
- Support applications in pedestrian areas, industrial yards, high traffic pavements, and landscaping works
- Promote circular economy and conservation of natural resources
- Enable up to 25% reduction in life cycle CO2 emissions, supported by LCA analysis
- Offer estimated profitability of 35-40% of annual turnover compared with conventional market products

This initiative demonstrates how industrial waste can be converted into durable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible construction materials, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and green growth.

CSIR-CBRI congratulates Dr Rajesh Kumar and his team at the Advanced Concrete Steel and Composites (ACSC) group.



CSIR, India; Ramancharla Pradeep Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Sharma; Government Of India; Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Government of Rajasthan