Young Engineer develops life-saving ‘suffocation alert’ technology
By: SualihaZubair
Srinagar: Zahid Bashir, a young engineer from Anantnag in south Kashmir, has developed an innovative automatic alert system designed to prevent suffocation caused by toxic gases in enclosed spaces. This life-saving invention was inspired by a recent tragedy in which five family members in the Pandrethan area of Srinagar lost their lives due to suffocation caused by a heating gadget.
A recent graduate with a B.Tech in Computer Science from Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Bashir was deeply disturbed by the incident. “We lose so many lives every year due to such accidents. I was profoundly affected by this tragic event, and that night, I realized I could use my knowledge and skills to come up with a solution,” he says.
Bashir is currently developing the project with the support of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) at IUST. Though the device is still in its early stages, he is optimistic about its future and plans to launch it within the next month. “The commercial product will be available in the market soon,” he adds.
What sets Bashir’s device apart from existing safety technologies, such as LPG gas detection systems, is its comprehensive approach. In addition to detecting toxic gases, the device also measures temperature in the confined space.
“If dangerous conditions are detected, the system activates a central alarm to alert people not only in the affected room but also in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the system automatically adjusts ventilation to restore oxygen levels, ensuring immediate relief. Users can also receive notifications on their smartphones, providing real-time updates on the situation,” explains Bashir.
While Bashir is confident in the device’s potential, he faces several challenges, particularly financial constraints.
“To make the device accurate and efficient, there are many resources required,” he explains. “I am hopeful that the government will offer support, as this technology could significantly improve safety and welfare in Kashmir.”
Looking ahead, Bashir has plans to expand the device’s use to larger spaces such as hospitals, schools, and other institutions. He also envisions integrating the system with existing appliances, such as gas heaters, to ensure that people do not need to purchase it separately.
