Durgapur: A significant innovation has emerged from the Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), with plant employee Avijit Kumar Chanda receiving a Government of India patent for his invention, the “Seismic Protection Unit.”
Chanda, who works at the Sinter Plant of DSP, developed the concept with the aim of providing greater protection to human lives during severe seismic disasters. The idea was inspired by the devastation caused by the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.
From Earthquake Inspiration to Patented Innovation
The idea for the Seismic Protection Unit was born from Chanda’s deep concern over the loss of human lives during the 26 January 2001 Gujarat earthquake.
The devastating earthquake motivated him to explore the possibility of developing a practical solution that could help protect people during major seismic events.
Over the years, Chanda approached various organisations and individuals to take his concept forward. Although the idea received appreciation, converting it into a physical solution remained challenging.
He eventually decided to formally protect his innovation through the patent process and pursue further opportunities to develop the concept.
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Government of India Grants Patent
The Government of India granted the patent to Avijit Kumar Chanda on August 6, 2026.
The patent marks an important milestone in his years-long effort to develop and protect the Seismic Protection Unit.
Key developments include:
- Inventor: Avijit Kumar Chanda
- Organisation: SAIL’s Durgapur Steel Plant
- Department: Sinter Plant
- Invention: Seismic Protection Unit
- Patent granted by: Government of India
- Patent grant date: August 6, 2026
SAIL Durgapur Director-In-Charge Presents Appreciation Letter
On August 22, 2026, a special programme was organised at the DIC Conference Hall of Durgapur Steel Plant.
Surajit Mishra, Director-In-Charge of Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants, presented Chanda with an appreciation letter and the patent certificate in the presence of senior officials of the steel plant.
Mishra congratulated Chanda on his innovative achievement and appreciated his efforts towards developing an invention aimed at benefiting humanity.
He said the achievement had made the SAIL fraternity proud.
Daughter Ankita Supports Patent Journey
Chanda also acknowledged the important role played by his daughter, Ankita Chanda, in helping him complete the formalities required for obtaining the patent.
He expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues and well-wishers for their encouragement and support throughout his journey from developing the concept to securing intellectual property protection.
Chanda Seeks Industry Collaboration for Seismic Protection Unit
With the patent now secured, Chanda hopes to take the Seismic Protection Unit beyond the conceptual stage and towards practical implementation.
He is looking for collaboration with Indian as well as global companies that can support the development, production and wider application of the invention.
The objective is to transform the patented concept into a practical and mass-produced safety solution that could contribute to earthquake protection and help safeguard human lives during severe seismic events.
Innovation with a Focus on Human Safety
The patent represents not only an individual achievement for Chanda but also highlights the potential for employee-led innovation within the public sector.
The Seismic Protection Unit has emerged from a personal response to a major natural disaster and years of effort to develop an idea focused on human safety.
The next stage will involve exploring technological and industrial collaborations to determine how the patented invention can be developed into a practical solution for real-world use.
About SAIL
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of India’s largest steel-making companies and a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. SAIL operates integrated steel plants and special steel plants across India, including the Durgapur Steel Plant in West Bengal, and is engaged in the production and marketing of a wide range of steel products.
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