UV disinfection tech installed in Parl, trains, AC buses to check Covid: Minister

NEW DELHI: Union science and technology minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said that an ultraviolet-C technology developed by the ministry through CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) is totally effective for mitigation of airborne transmission of coronavirus and will also remain relevant in post-Covid times.
The disinfection technology has been successfully tried in the railways, AC buses and even in the Parliament and is now open for a rollout for use by the masses.He said he will also recommend the same technology to the Election Commission for use during indoor poll meetings.
During the release of the CSIR guidelines on various disinfection technologies, the minister informed about the UV-C technology rollout in various places. He, however, cautioned that even after application of the technology, all are advised to strictly adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour, including the use of masks and social distancing, a ministry release said.
Singh said the technology has been developed according to the requirements for deactivation of SARS COV-2 virus contained in an aerosol with necessary ventilation measures, safety and user guidelines and tested for bio-safety standards. UV-C deactivates viruses, bacteria, fungus and other bio-aerosols with appropriate dosages using 254nm UV light.
The minister said UV-C air duct disinfection system can be used in auditoriums, large conference rooms, classrooms and malls as it provides a relatively safe environment for indoor activities during the Covid pandemic.
Singh informed that the technology was used in the Central Hall of Parliament, Lok Sabha chamber and committee rooms in July last year ahead of the monsoon session. He said he will write to the secretary-general of Rajya Sabha for installation of this technology ahead of the upcoming Budget session.
Railway Board executive director A K Malhotra informed that the technology has been successfully tested for a month in railway coaches from Bandra to Chandigarh covering a distance of 1,000 km. He said Research Designs and Standards Organisation, Lucknow, has recommended for the use of this technology in all railways coaches in a phased manner.
Amit Varadan, joint secretary of ministry of road transport & highways, said the technology has also been used in AC buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.