Reaction from the field
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is making significant strides in sustainable infrastructure and drone technology, with initiatives that promise to reshape the landscape of environmental responsibility in India. The most notable impact comes from the collaboration between CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), which aims to utilize Waste Foundry Sand in road construction. This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of waste management but also supports the Government of India’s vision of a circular economy.
Waste Foundry Sand, a by-product of the metal casting industry, has long been a challenge for foundries, particularly in the Coimbatore foundry cluster, which is home to around 800–1000 foundry units generating substantial quantities of this waste. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, a key figure in the 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 aims to convert what was once considered waste into a valuable resource for infrastructure development.
CSIR-CRRI is not only leading the charge in sustainable road construction but is also collaborating with Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd. to further enhance the effectiveness of these solutions. The partnership is designed to promote environmentally sustainable practices while reducing dependency on natural aggregates, a move that could revolutionize how India approaches infrastructure development.
In parallel, CSIR is making waves in the drone technology sector with the transfer of technology for the QPlane eVTOL drone to KRR Aerospace for mass production. This drone, designed for multi-sector use including defence, agriculture, and logistics, features fully electric propulsion and the ability to take off and land vertically. With an operational range of around 20 km, the QPlane eVTOL drone represents a significant advancement in aerial technology, aligning with global trends towards sustainability and efficiency.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar from CSIR-CRRI remarked, “CSIR-CRRI has been at the forefront of developing sustainable and innovative road technologies.” This sentiment is echoed by Sushil Sharma, who stated, “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.” Such collaborative research and development initiatives are crucial in transforming waste into valuable resources while supporting the nation’s infrastructure growth.
The Coimbatore foundry cluster’s significant waste output presents a unique opportunity for innovation. By harnessing Waste Foundry Sand, CSIR-CRRI and its partners are not only tackling waste management but also contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure that could set a precedent for future projects across the country.
As these initiatives progress, the potential for further developments remains high. The collaboration between CSIR, IIF, and Suyog Elements is expected to yield more innovative solutions that could redefine infrastructure practices in India. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the widespread implementation of these technologies and their impact on the industry.
