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New Delhi : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh, on July 13, 2021, discussed with scientific experts, the modalities of installing the latest UV-C Disinfection Technology in the Parliament House. The technology has been developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), affiliated to 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 Singh cautioned that even after installation of this disinfection technology, everybody is advised to strictly adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour including use of Face Mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds etc.
CSIR-CSIO has developed an UV-C air duct disinfection system. The disinfection system can be used in auditoriums, large conference rooms, class-rooms, 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, according to a PIB release.
The technology has been 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. 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 here on July 13, Dr Singh said that inter-ministerial formal arrangements for better coordination is needed to further step up efficiency of different departments. Pointing out that the Prime Minister is particularly keen about this initiative, the Minister urged the officials to explore the feasibility for the same without delay.
Urging the CSIR to preserve and showcase its achievements over the decades, Dr 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.