'Inventor Raju': Warangal youth develops UV mask to keep COVID at bay

Mupparapu Raju arranged a small rechargeable UV light to his mask which can be turned on or off. The light is powered by a three volts battery, which lasts for ten hours after one hour of charge. The mask can be charged using a normal smartphone micro USB charger.

"This mask can be useful in crowded places like hospitals and markets where the risk of infection is high. The face mask has become a daily part of our life and we are constantly worried about the sanitation of the mask after we go outside. This UV light attachment can prove to be a useful addition if not a permanent solution to the disinfection of masks. The skin is protected by the layer of the mask which ensures light does not harm us. Only sterilized air is breathed by the user of the mask," Raju said

Interestingly, it took Rs 300 for Raju to innovate the mask. Called fondly as 'Inventor Raju', he hails from Gopalpur in Guggondi Mandal of Warangal Rural district has several innovations to his name including a bamboo stick pen, battery-powered bicycle, solar weed cutter, solar-powered groundnut cutter among others.