The Government’s premier research body, CSIR may soon approach the Election Commission of India (ECI)  to use its UV-C technology for mitigation of airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2 during indoor meetings with limited capacity for the ensuing Assembly polls in five poll bound States in the wake of ban on physical rallies and roadshows.

This was informed by Union Minister of Science & Technology  Dr Jitendra Singh at an event after releasing the CSIR Guidelines on Disinfection Technologies for Mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission.

The CSIR-CSIO’s (Central Scientific Instruments Organisation) newly developed disinfection technology is being installed to combat pandemic in railway coaches, AC buses, closed spaces and even the Parliament House, pointed out the Minister adding that it is totally effective for mitigation of airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2 and will also remain relevant in post-Covid era.

The technology will soon be open for general roll-out for use by common masses, he said.

Dr Jitendra 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, 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.

He said, UV-C air duct 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.

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. Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Manoj Joshi said on the occasion that CPWD will work along with CSIR for wider dissemination and adoption of UV-C air duct disinfection systems in Government and private buildings.

A.K Malhotra, Executive Director, Railway Board informed that the UV-C Disinfection Technology has been successfully tested for one month in Railways coaches from Bandra to Chandigarh covering a distance of 1000 kilometers. He said RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation), Lucknow has recommended the use of this technology in all Railways coaches in a phased manner.