STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant at AIIMS, New Delhi. The plant, named “S?janam,” was officially dedicated to the nation during a ceremony at the AIIMS auditorium. Dr. Singh, accompanied by Director General CSIR Dr. N. Kalaisevi and Director AIIMS Dr. M. Srinivas, later visited the site where the machinery was installed and formally activated the system.
Developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), the S?janam rig represents a significant advancement in the sustainable management of biomedical waste. Unlike traditional incinerators, which are costly and energy-intensive, this eco-friendly system disinfects pathogenic waste such as blood, urine, and laboratory disposables, while also eliminating the foul odor associated with medical waste. With a daily capacity of 400 kg, the system can process up to 10 kg of degradable medical waste per day in its initial phase, with further scalability once fully validated.
Dr. Singh emphasized the shift from ‘Waste to Wealth,’ stressing the importance of sustainability in India’s growing economy. He praised the new technology as a crucial step toward improving waste management in healthcare settings, especially given the country’s biomedical waste generation, which amounts to 743 tonnes daily, according to the 2023 CPCB report. The new system presents a safer and more efficient solution, reducing human exposure to harmful waste and the risks of spills and accidents.
Highlighting the dangers of improper waste disposal, including carcinogen release and the spread of infectious diseases, Dr. Singh underscored the need for effective waste management. He also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership continues to foster technological and green initiatives.
The Minister also referenced other scientific achievements in India, such as the development of indigenous vaccines, advancements in space technology, and breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals. He noted the government’s commitment to innovation, citing recent initiatives like the Bio E3 policy and funding for space startups.
Dr. Singh concluded by calling for increased academic collaboration and support for continued innovation, positioning India as a global leader in environmental and healthcare solutions by 2047.