Chandrasekharan J., a 58-year-old plastic technology expert from Chennai, has developed an innovative non-electric natural water purifier to resolve severe drinking water shortages across rural India. Operating under his venture Watsan Water Filters, the self-described accidental entrepreneur has created a filtration system that functions entirely without electrical power or batteries. To date, this non-electric purifier has reached nearly 5 lakh families across underserved regions where people were previously forced to consume contaminated water or pull their children out of school due to water scarcity.
The Journey From Corporate Career to Social Innovation
Before turning to social entrepreneurship, Chandrasekharan spent nearly 35 years working in a major corporation as a plastic engineering professional. The turning point arrived when he was around 45 years old, during a visit to rural Tamil Nadu for temple restoration initiatives. In these villages, he witnessed firsthand how communities suffered from an acute lack of clean water. The absence of basic water facilities in schools and restrooms severely disrupted daily life, compelling parents to withdraw their children from formal education. Deeply moved by this reality, he determined to design an affordable, accessible water treatment system that required no power source.
How Terafil Nano-Technology Purifies Water Without Electricity
The core innovation of the Watsan purifier lies in its utilization of the Terafil nano-technology developed by CSIR-IMMT. The filtration unit employs a specialized nano-candle constructed from nano-clay particles. As raw water or collected rainwater passes through the candle, the dense nano-structure physically captures micro-organisms, suspended silt, and elevated iron levels at the outer surface. Simultaneously, the system preserves vital minerals present in the water and maintains optimum pH balance without adding synthetic chemicals.
Zero Water Waste and Zero AMC Maintenance Advantages
Unlike traditional Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifiers that reject large volumes of water during treatment, this natural filtration system operates with zero water waste. It rapidly converts turbid surface water and rainwater into safe drinking water within minutes. Furthermore, the unit requires no Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), eliminating recurring service expenses for lower-income households. Its lightweight and durable construction also makes it simple to transport and install in remote locations.
Showcase at Global Aqua Expo and Nationwide Reach
During the three-day Global Aqua Expo held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Chandrasekharan J. demonstrated the operational capabilities of his natural purifier to industry leaders and visitors. The practical solution garnered widespread praise for its efficacy and low operating cost. Today, over 500,000 units are actively serving families in water-stressed areas across Rajasthan, the North East, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, helping curb waterborne illness while enabling children to remain in school.
