New Delhi, Feb 8: In a significant step towards sustainable waste management and environmental innovation, the CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology) in Thiruvananthapuram has developed an automated biomedical waste conversion rig called “Sṛjanam”. The cutting-edge technology, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, will be formally launched by Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh during a commissioning event at AIIMS, New Delhi, on February 10.
This breakthrough innovation addresses India’s growing biomedical waste problem by offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional incineration. By disinfecting pathogenic waste—such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables—the rig prevents the environmental and health hazards associated with improper waste disposal. Importantly, it also converts the treated waste into value-added soil additives, making it a dual-purpose solution for both waste management and agricultural improvement.
“With its ability to transform treated biomedical waste into high-quality soil additives and reduce human intervention, this technology offers a safer, more environmentally friendly solution for healthcare facilities,” said Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST. “It directly supports Prime Minister Modi’s goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat by minimizing reliance on expensive, energy-intensive incineration systems and promoting local innovations.”
India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, as per the 2023 annual report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Mismanagement of this waste—through open dumping, improper segregation, burning, or inadequate incineration—poses severe health risks, releasing carcinogenic pollutants, particulate matter, and toxic ash residues into the environment.
The Sṛjanam rig eliminates the need for costly incinerators by offering an eco-friendly alternative that ensures disinfection and odor management. Unlike conventional systems, it imparts a pleasant fragrance to the treated waste, addressing the foul smell typically associated with toxic biomedical waste.
Soil studies have confirmed that the treated output surpasses organic fertilizers like vermicompost in quality, further supporting the government’s agricultural and environmental goals. The prototype rig, currently equipped to process 10 kg of degradable medical waste daily, has the potential to expand its capacity for full-scale implementation once regulatory approvals are secured.
This innovation reflects key principles of Prime Minister Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) by promoting sustainable waste disposal and enhancing environmental protection. As India strives toward its 2047 vision of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation, sustainable technologies like Sṛjanam will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and natural resources.
Once validated, the rig will be ready for wider deployment, contributing to India’s long-term goals of clean cities, sustainable agriculture, and efficient resource management. This technological leap ensures that the country not only addresses the challenges of biomedical waste but also turns them into opportunities for growth and environmental well-being.
