Latest news with #C.Anandharamakrishnan
United News of India
3 days ago
- General
- United News of India
Greywater constitutes nearly 75pc total household wastewater
Thiruvananthapurm, June 5 (UNI) Greywater constitutes nearly 75% of total household wastewater, often discharged untreated into soak pits, posing serious environmental and public health concerns. This was one of the major discussion points at the National Conclave on Sustainable Environmental Solutions, which brought together eminent policymakers, technocrats, and researchers to deliberate on innovative and actionable strategies for environmental sustainability in India. A key highlight of the event was the technology transfer of CSIR-NIIST's engineered modular wetland system (patent filed) for greywater treatment and reuse at the household level. Developed by a team led by Dr. Krishnakumar B from the Environmental Technology Division, the modular system is compact, energy-free, and scalable and produces reuse-quality water for applications like gardening, horticulture, and toilet flushing. On the side-lines of the conclave, CSIR-NIIST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V-Tech Instrumentation (India) Pvt. Ltd. Thiruvananthapuram, for the field implementation and commercial rollout of this innovative technology. In his presidential address, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, underscored the institute's enduring mission of translating cutting-edge science into practically viable and socially relevant solutions. He also highlighted the institute's leadership in the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging Solutions, led by CSIR-NIIST, which aims to accelerate India's transition toward a plastic-free and environmentally responsible future. 'Our initiatives in sustainable packaging are aligned with the country's march toward a circular economy and greener industry practices,' he added. As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations and World Environment Day, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) organized the Conclave on Wednesday. The Conclave was inaugurated by Prof. V. K. Ramachandran, Chairperson of the Kerala State Planning Board, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Prof. Ramachandran emphasised the impact of floods and landslides preceded by drought. There is a need for science-based studies and interventions to bring resilience in the era of climate change. The event was also attended by Dr. C Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, Dr. G. Shankar, Architect and Founder, Habitat Technology Group and Prof. N. V. Chalapathi Raju, Director, NCESS. The conclave served as a platform to showcase CSIR-NIIST's impactful research and technologies that address real-world environmental problems, including climate-resilient solutions in water management, waste-to-resource technologies, and green innovations for communities. With its convergence of thought leadership and scientific advancement, the CSIR-NIIST Golden Jubilee Conclave marked a major milestone in the institute's journey, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in science-led transformation. UNI DS ARN
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
CSIR-NIIST develops technology for in situ disposal of biomedical waste
At a time when hospitals are struggling to get rid of biomedical waste, the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory here, has developed a technology for their in situ disposal in an ecofriendly and cost-effective way. Models meant for regular hospitals and one for the Military Hospital in the high-altitude Siachen glacier are currently undergoing tests, C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, told The Hindu. The NIIST design, which is quite compact, is expected to boost the decentralised disposal of biomedical wastes, benefitting States such as Kerala where they are often transported over long distances to a couple of facilities for the purpose, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said. The treated waste is expelled from the unit in the form of a powder which is useful as a soil additive, according to him. CSIR-NIIST is hoping that the model for the Military Hospital in Siachen can be commissioned by August 15 to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations this year. The unit undergoing tests for the Military Hospital in Siachen is capable of handling 10 kg at a time, and up to about 100 kg a day, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said. Here, the real challenge was redesigning the original idea to suit the climatic conditions of Siachen, often dubbed the world's highest and coldest battlefield. 'It has to be a low-temperature operation there. The temperatures being extremely low, it is very difficult to manage biomedical waste. They cannot burn or bury it. In other locations, incinerators are at least possible. There they don't have that option. Even if the cabin housing the waste treatment is artificially heated, the temperatures still tend to be lower than what it is here,' he said. The 10 kg unit takes about half-an-hour to dispose of a single batch. Studies are also under way on another CSIR-NIIST prototype, which will prove useful to regular hospitals, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. 'The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change wanted units specifically for remote areas where the wastes are still burned or buried. We hope to complete the study in two months and hand over the report to the Ministry,' This biomedical waste conversion rig is capable of handling 100 kg per day. Given the misgivings biomedical waste treatment plants tend to arouse in the public, NIIST scientists have also taken the effort to make sure that their design is easy on the eye. The compact units resemble huge green capsicums. The waste is put in by opening the (automated) door provided at the side of the unit. The biomedical waste treatment technology is one among ten 'game-changing technologies' that the NIIST is currently working on.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Pilot production plant for fortified rice kernels inaugurated at CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram
The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) here has established a pilot plant for fortified rice kernels (FRK) with the aim of addressing the nutritional needs of vulnerable population groups. According to NIIST scientists, the FRK process involves blending micronutrients with rice flour and extruding the mix into rice-shaped kernels. These are virtually indistinguishable from natural rice. Using in-house technology, the plant enables the continuous production of FRK enriched with essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. NIIST described the establishment of the facility as a 'major step towards combating hidden hunger and enhancing nutritional security.' Krishna M. Ella, chairperson, Bharat Biotech International, and chairperson, Research Council, CSIR-NIIST, inaugurated the plant on Friday. 30 to 50 kg per hour The facility has drying and cooling conveyors for removing moisture effectively, which enables immediate use and distribution of the product. The plant is capable of producing 30 to 50 kg of FRK per hour. The FRK can be seamlessly blended with polished rice for large-scale public distribution, NIIST said. The plant has been established with the aim of addressing the nutritional requirements of vulnerable population groups, especially children and pregnant women, NIIST said. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, said the pilot plant will serve not only as a production unit, but also as a training and innovation hub for start-ups, food safety professionals, public health experts, and students. 'Holds promise' 'It exemplifies our commitment to developing technologies that are socially impactful and accessible,' Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said. Dr. Ella said the facility holds promise for improving public health outcomes across the country, particularly in underserved regions. The FRK plant will be accessible for research, development, product testing, training and promoting innovation and entrepreneurial ventures in the area of rice fortification, NIIST said.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CSIR-NIIST to organise conclave on intellectual property monetisation and technology transfer in May
As part of its golden jubilee celebrations, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) is organising 'Conclave on Intellectual Property (IP) Monetisation and Technology Transfer' on May 14. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, will inaugurate the conclave. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, will preside. The conclave is aimed at empowering research organisations and industries to strategically protect IP, assess its commercial potential, and translate IP assets and know-how into marketable products. The event will also explore emerging trends in IP monetisation, including the creation of IP-based Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV), fundraising through share sales, and equity investments of IP in startups. For registration, visit the CSIR-NIIST website or contact R.S. Praveen Raj, senior principal scientist and convenor of the conclave, at 9995632522.
