Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on 13 July 2021 discussed with scientific experts, the modalities of installing the latest UV-C Disinfection Technology in the Parliament House, on the eve of the upcoming session on the 19th of this month. The technology was developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), affiliated with the Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
The Minister later informed that to begin with, the technology meant for mitigation of airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2 will be installed in the Central Hall, Lok Sabha Chamber and Committee Rooms 62 and 63.
However, Dr Jitendra Singh cautioned that even after installation of this disinfection technology, everybody is advised to strictly adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour including the use of Face Mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds, etc.
CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh, developed the UV-C air duct disinfection system. The disinfection system can be used in auditoriums, large conference rooms, classrooms, malls, etc. which provides a relatively safer environment for indoor activities in the current pandemic. It can also be used in buildings, transport vehicles, etc.
The technology was developed according to the requirements for deactivation of SARS COV-2 virus contained in an aerosol with necessary ventilation measures, necessary safety and user guidelines and tested Bio-safety standards, etc. UV-C deactivates viruses, bacteria, fungus and other bio-aerosols, etc. with appropriate dosages using 254nm UV light. The use of UV-C may also help in ameliorating the fungal infections being witnessed during the current wave of the pandemic.
Addressing a semi-virtual conference of scientists from across the country at the CSIR Headquarters. Dr Jitendra Singh said that inter-ministerial formal arrangements for better coordination are needed to further step up the efficiency of different departments. Pointing out that the Prime Minister is particularly keen on this initiative, the Minister urged the officials to explore the feasibility for the same without delay.
The Minister commented on the legacy of CSIR in scientific pursuit and urged the scientists to highlight the role played by the organisation in different segments of the day-to-day life of the common man. CSIR enjoys a unique status globally in the field of science and technology, he added.
Urging the CSIR to preserve and showcase its achievements over the decades Dr Jitendra Singh said that the feasibility of setting up a museum in the national capital needs to be explored.
Earlier, welcoming the Minister to the virtual conference Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR Dr Shekhar C Mande informed the Minister about the structure and functions of CSIR and the innovative research initiatives underway in different units across the country. Besides senior functionaries of CSIR Headquarters, top scientists of 37 CSIR laboratories and five units spread across the country participated in the virtual conference.
Source: PIB
