How Is India Cleaning Up Its Medical Waste?

In 2025, India launched its first fully automated biomedical waste treatment plant at AIIMS, New Delhi. The plant, called “Srjanam,” is special because it treats hazardous medical waste without burning it, making it safer for people and the environment.

Medical waste includes used syringes, gloves, bandages, and materials contaminated by blood or infections. If not handled properly, it can spread serious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis, and also harm the environment. India produces around 743 tonnes of biomedical waste every day, and a lot of it was earlier being burnt or dumped incorrectly, leading to pollution and health risks.

Two futures, one choice: Pollute and grieve, or protect and thrive.

“Srjanam” changes this. Developed by Indian scientists at CSIR-NIIST in Kerala, the plant disinfects medical waste without using incinerators. Instead of burning, it uses an automated, eco-friendly system that kills harmful germs without creating toxic smoke. It can treat up to 400 kilograms of waste every day and is designed to be affordable and safe for hospitals and clinics across India.

This is important because burning medical waste creates poisonous gases that pollute the air and can cause serious health problems. With “Srjanam,” hospitals can manage waste responsibly, protect public health, and reduce pollution at the same time.

The launch of "Srjanam" shows how science and innovation can create better solutions for real-world problems. It also reminds us why proper waste management is important for a healthier and cleaner future.

WRITTEN BY CHANDRA BISHT, GRADE 12

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