DURGAPUR — Avijit Kumar Chanda, an employee at the Sinter Plant of Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Durgapur Steel Plant, has been granted a patent by the Government of India for his invention, the “Seismic Protection Unit.”
The patent certificate was officially presented on August 22, 2026, by Surajit Mishra, Director Incharge of Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants, at a ceremony held at the DIC Conference Hall. Inspired by the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Chanda developed the life-saving seismic safety solution, which was formally patented on August 6, 2026, with technical support from his daughter, Ankita.
Key Highlights & Innovation Profile
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Inventor: Avijit Kumar Chanda, Sinter Plant employee at Durgapur Steel Plant (SAIL).
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Invention: Seismic Protection Unit, a specialized technology aimed at preventing human casualties during earthquakes.
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Patent Authorization: Formally granted by the Government of India on August 6, 2026.
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Origin & Inspiration: Conceived following the 2001 Gujarat earthquake to enhance structural and human safety during seismic events.
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Commercialization Outlook: The inventor is actively seeking collaboration with domestic and global industrial partners to transition the patented design into commercial production and practical deployment.
