Sṛjanam Rig – India’s First Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant

GS3 – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 

Context: The Union Minister for Science & Technology has launched Sṛjanam, India’s first indigenous automated biomedical waste treatment plant, at AIIMS, New Delhi.

What is Sṛjanam?

Sṛjanam is an eco-friendly, non-incineration biomedical waste treatment system designed to disinfect pathogenic medical waste without burning, thereby reducing toxic emissions.

Location & Implementing Agencies:

• Location: AIIMS, New Delhi
• Developed by: CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), Thiruvananthapuram
• Under: Ministry of Science & Technology
• Implemented by: AIIMS in collaboration with CSIR

How Does It Work?

• Utilizes non-incineration technology to treat medical waste such as blood, urine, and lab disposables.
• Employs specialized antimicrobial processes to neutralize pathogens.
• Converts treated waste into safe organic material, minimizing environmental impact.

Key Features of Sṛjanam Rig:

1. Incineration-Free Technology – Prevents the release of dioxins and furans from medical waste burning.
2. High Capacity – Can process 400 kg of waste per day, including 10 kg of degradable medical waste.
3. Eco-Friendly Output – Produces fragrance-infused, non-toxic waste, reducing foul odors.
4. Safety & Efficiency – Prevents human exposure risks and accidental spills.
5. Sustainability – Treated waste is safer than organic fertilizers and validated for antimicrobial action.
6. Regulatory Compliance – Adheres to CPCB norms to address India’s biomedical waste crisis (743 tonnes/day as per CPCB).