The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named Sṛjanam, at AIIMS New Delhi on February 10, 2025. Developed by the CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, Sṛjanam represents a significant breakthrough in the country’s biomedical waste management sector, marking a milestone in sustainable waste treatment solutions.
During the launch event, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of a paradigm shift from treating waste as a burden to viewing it as a resource for wealth generation. He underscored the rig’s potential to transform waste management practices in healthcare facilities across India by offering a more efficient, sustainable alternative to traditional methods. He also highlighted that the rig aligns with India’s broader environmental goals and the need for more sustainable solutions to combat the growing challenges of biomedical waste.
The Sṛjanam rig is designed to address the critical issue of disinfecting and treating pathogenic biomedical waste—such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables—without the environmental drawbacks of conventional incinerators. Traditional biomedical waste treatment methods often rely on incineration, which is costly, energy-intensive, and contributes to air pollution. In contrast, the Sṛjanam rig operates with advanced technology that does not require incineration, thereby offering a more eco-friendly approach to waste disposal.
One of the unique features of the rig is its ability to neutralize the foul odors typically associated with biomedical waste, replacing them with a pleasant fragrance. This makes the treatment process more hygienic and user-friendly, particularly in healthcare facilities where the presence of unpleasant smells can be problematic. Additionally, the Sṛjanam rig has a daily treatment capacity of 400 kg of biomedical waste, making it suitable for handling waste from various medical facilities.
The rig’s initial phase can treat up to 10 kg of degradable medical waste per day, gradually ramping up to its full capacity. This scalable feature ensures that the rig can accommodate the needs of both smaller and larger healthcare establishments. Dr. Singh noted that the introduction of Sṛjanam is a major step forward in revolutionizing waste management in India, which will contribute to better environmental practices while addressing the challenges posed by medical waste disposal.
Dr. Singh also reflected on India’s economic progress, noting that the country had moved from being part of the ‘fragile five’ economies to a member of the ‘First Five,’ underscoring the country’s growing influence on the global stage. The launch of Sṛjanam, he said, was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation and sustainability across various sectors, with healthcare and environmental protection being key priorities.
The introduction of Sṛjanam sets a new standard in India’s approach to managing biomedical waste, offering a cleaner, greener, and more efficient solution for the future. It also serves as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in indigenous technological development, with the potential to influence biomedical waste management practices worldwide.
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