Srinagar, Jan 11 (KNO): A young engineer from Anantnag district in south Kashmir has created a life-saving device designed to alert individuals to potential suffocation hazards.
Zahid Bashir, a resident of the Kralpora area and a recent graduate with a B.Tech in Computer Science from the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), developed the project with the support of the CIED-IUST foundation.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Zahid said the system is still in its early stages. It employs advanced sensors to monitor critical factors such as temperature, oxygen levels and the presence of harmful gases.
"The system will emit a loud beep when dangerous levels are detected, potentially waking individuals from sleep or alerting them if they are unconscious," he said. "In addition, the system automatically activates an exhaust fan to improve ventilation and restore safe air quality," he added.
Zahid said his inspiration for this project stemmed from recent suffocation incidents in Kashmir, particularly fatalities that occurred in Kulgam. "These events moved me deeply. People often don't realise the danger until it's too late, and I wanted to change that," he added.
The device utilises specific sensors, including MQ-2, MQ-7, and MQ-135, to detect heat, toxic gases and low oxygen levels.
One of the system's key features is its energy efficiency. The exhaust fan activates only when necessary, thereby reducing electricity usage and minimising environmental impact.
Zahid expressed his gratitude towards IUST and its Computer Science Department for their unwavering support, which he credits for enabling him to develop the prototype.
Zahid has plans to refine the system into a market-ready product within the next month and hopes the technology will be widely adopted to save lives and prevent future tragedies—(KNO)