Govt To Install CSIR Developed UV Disinfection Tech In Parliament To Mitigate COVID-19 Spread

The government is planning to install Ultraviolet disinfection technology developed by the Centre for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) for mitigation of airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2, Covid-19 causing virus, during the upcoming monsoon session scheduled to begin from 19 July.

To begin with, the technology will be installed in the Parliament House's Central Hall, Lok Sabha Chamber and Committee Rooms 62 and 63, informed Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday (13 July).

However, 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.

The technology, a UV-C air duct disinfection system, has been developed by CSIR's Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSO).

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.

Addressing a semi- virtual conference of scientists from across the country at the CSIR Headquarters, Singh also discussed with scientific experts, the modalities of installing the latest UV-C Disinfection Technology in the Parliament House.

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.