Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, ‘S?janam,’ at AIIMS New Delhi. Developed by CSIR-NIIST, the plant offers a sustainable alternative to incineration by disinfecting pathogenic waste without harmful emissions.

With an initial capacity to handle 400 kg of biomedical waste per day, ‘S?janam’ neutralizes odors and treats infectious materials like blood, urine, and laboratory disposables. The system, currently undergoing validation and regulatory approval, could revolutionize biomedical waste management in India.

India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, according to a 2023 CPCB report. Traditional incineration poses health and environmental risks, making this new technology a crucial step in waste management. Third-party validation confirms its antimicrobial effectiveness, with studies suggesting treated material is even safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost.

During the event, Singh also highlighted India’s recent scientific advancements, including indigenous DNA and HPV vaccines, the antibiotic Nafithromycin, and gene therapy trials. He outlined key government initiatives, such as Rs 500 billion for the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and Rs 200 billion for Bharat Small Modular Reactors.

With a growing focus on research and sustainability, ‘S?janam’ marks a significant milestone in India’s biomedical waste management efforts.