Living near the polluted Periyar River, Kerala resident Stanley Jacob and his family faced daily struggles with unclean water. Even after boiling, the well water remained unsafe for drinking, cooking, and bathing, impacting their quality of life.
Motivated by his passion for solving real-world issues, Stanley began researching the issue of water purification. His goal? To create a simple, reliable device that could purify dirty water without electricity.
In 2002, after consulting experts and conducting extensive research, Stanley developed a unique filtration system, which used gravity and natural materials to effectively remove contaminants from water.
“If a major war were to happen in the next 50 years, it would be for clean water and air,” says Stanley, highlighting the importance of fresh water.
Stanley first tested his invention at home, and it worked remarkably well. His neighbours noticed the results and asked if they could have one too. To ensure its reliability, Stanley installed filters in a few neighbouring homes for further testing.
After four years of testing, Stanley launched ‘Dubhe Richus’ in 2006. The company now provides water purification solutions for household as well as industrial purposes.
The innovative system uses layers of processed natural stones to purify water. It removes bacteria, contaminants, and suspended particles without electricity and chemicals.
It combines physical and biological processes, including sand filtration. A biofilm, known as the hypogeal layer, grows on the sand surface, naturally filtering contaminants as water flows through.
Starting at Rs 52,000, the filters are affordable and require minimal maintenance. Each comes with a five-year warranty, ensuring both quality and reliability.
Dubhe Richus offers four filter types — mini, medium, standard, and commercial — catering to different needs, from small homes to large industries. Each device is patented and tailored based on local water quality.
During the 2018 Kerala floods, the filters continued to function, even in submerged homes, proving their resilience and reliability in tough conditions.
With over 20,000 devices sold to date, Stanley’s invention has helped hundreds access safe water. “I am happy that the devices are helping people use safe water without the fear of getting diseases. I hope at least a few people can benefit from my innovation,” he says with pride.