New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant at AIIMS, New Delhi. Named “Sṛjanam,” the cutting-edge waste management rig was dedicated to the nation in a formal ceremony held at the AIIMS auditorium, followed by its commissioning on-site.
Developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), Sṛjanam is an innovative, environmentally friendly solution designed to tackle the growing biomedical waste crisis in India. The system is capable of disinfecting pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables without requiring energy-intensive incineration. With a daily capacity of 400 kg, the system also eliminates foul odors from toxic waste while ensuring complete pathogen deactivation.
Revolutionizing Biomedical Waste Disposal
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need to transition from “waste to wealth” and urged for sustainable waste management solutions in healthcare. “India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, posing a major environmental challenge. This technology offers a safe, eco-friendly alternative to incineration, reducing health risks and environmental damage,” he stated.
The automated treatment rig has been third-party validated for its antimicrobial efficacy, with studies confirming that the treated waste is safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost. The system significantly reduces human exposure to hazardous waste while minimizing the risk of spills and contamination.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in driving India’s progress in science, technology, and green initiatives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 through innovation and sustainability.
Government’s Commitment to Science and Innovation
The Minister also cited India’s technological breakthroughs, including the country’s first indigenous DNA vaccine, HPV vaccine, gene therapy trials, and antibiotic Nafithromycin. He emphasized the government’s focus on research and development, referencing recent Union Budget allocations of:
- ₹1,000 crore for Viability Gap funding for space startups
- ₹2,000 crore for Mission Mausam
- ₹50,000 crore for the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF)
- ₹20,000 crore for Bharat Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
The launch event was attended by senior officials, including Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG, CSIR, and Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS.
With this groundbreaking innovation, India is taking a major step toward sustainable healthcare waste management, reinforcing its position as a global leader in environmental and biomedical technology solutions.
