Drexel Group stands out in the automation and manufacturing sector, specializing in online pollution monitoring systems for water quality, stack emissions, ambient air quality, noise levels, and weather stations, all meticulously aligned with government guidelines. Their systems are highly adaptable, allowing for customization based on specific client requirements. Renowned for their excellent post-sales support, Drexel Group has successfully installed over 1,000 systems across India, demonstrating their reliability and commitment to quality.
In an exclusive interview with The Interview World, J.S. Sandhu, Managing Director of Drexel Group, provides an in-depth look at their comprehensive monitoring solutions. He discusses technologies used in river monitoring, sewerage treatment plant oversight, and flood detection. Sandhu also shares valuable insights into their installation achievements, pricing structures, and the company’s diverse clientele. Additionally, he sheds light on Drexel Group’s current revenue, offering a thorough overview of their operations and market position.
Q: Could you elaborate on your river monitoring system, including its key features and functionalities? Additionally, how does this system contribute to your overall objectives and operations?
A: Our advanced river monitoring system, known as SONDE, offers an all-encompassing solution with a range of parameters designed for comprehensive oversight. This system efficiently connects to a display, delivering real-time data that is crucial for managing river quality and addressing environmental concerns. SONDE plays a vital role in mitigating conflicts between states and managing pollution, especially in regions where rivers traverse multiple jurisdictions or industrial areas.
For example, we have deployed SONDE along the Yamuna River, a critical waterway flowing from Uttarakhand into Haryana. As the water progresses, its quality deteriorates due to industrial effluents discharged in Haryana. To address this issue, the Haryana government has implemented a SONDE system to continuously monitor and report water quality. Similarly, we have installed another SONDE unit in Nalagad, a region heavily impacted by industrial pollution. This stream flows into Punjab, where local authorities use SONDE to track and manage water quality.
Beyond river monitoring, our system also extends to sewerage treatment plant oversight. This component of SONDE ensures effective management of both affluent treatment and sewerage processes. It monitors essential parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS), with the capability to track up to 15 additional parameters as needed. This comprehensive monitoring ensures effective treatment of wastewater, reducing environmental impact and promoting public health.
Additionally, we offer a silt monitoring system, crucial for dams that generate electricity. This system measures silt levels to prevent the accumulation that can damage turbines and affect power generation efficiency.
Our early flood warning system is another critical component of our monitoring suite. It provides timely alerts to downstream areas in the event of an upstream flood. By continuously monitoring water levels, the system generates advance warnings and notifications, enabling swift evacuation procedures. The system generates alerts via routers and mobile devices. This ensures that communities up to 100 kilometers downstream receive crucial information promptly, thus enhancing disaster preparedness and response.
Q: What core technologies underpin these systems?
A: Most of this equipment relies on advanced optical technology, a cornerstone of modern digital water technology. For instance, ultraviolet (UV) technology exemplifies the applications of optical principles. Similarly, optical straight light technology operates on these fundamental principles. In the realm of flood monitoring, we employ radar technology, utilizing sound wave reflections to assess conditions. These diverse technological approaches underscore how the innovative methods can enhance water management and environmental monitoring.
Q: Can you provide an overview of the number of systems you’ve installed in both government and private sector organizations?
A: Our sewerage treatment plant installations are a testament to our extensive reach and reliability. In Punjab alone, we have equipped 56 out of the 65 sewerage treatment plants with our advanced systems, showcasing our dominance in the region. In neighboring Haryana, we have implemented 15 systems, ensuring that every major milk plant in both Haryana and Punjab benefits from our technology.
Our influence is also prominent in the northern textile industry, with installations in Panipat, Baddi, Sonipat, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. Companies primarily use our systems for stack monitoring, which is crucial for managing emissions from the numerous boilers in these textile facilities.
In the biomedical sector, Drexel commands an impressive 90% market share across India. Our systems are pivotal in incinerators that handle hospital waste, reflecting our leadership in this critical area. Overall, Drexel’s systems represent 90% of the installations in India for both biomedical and industrial applications.
Q: Could you provide the pricing details for these machines?
A: The price of the machine is around Rs. 5.5 lakhs, a significant reduction from initial costs. When we first entered the market seven to eight years ago, foreign competitors offered this equipment at Rs. 35 lakhs. They underestimated us, believing that as an Indian company, we lacked the market insight to compete effectively. Initially, they ignored our presence. However, as we gained traction and established a foothold, our competitors lower their prices in response.
Today, we have not only established ourselves but also gained control over pricing in the Indian market. We take pride in manufacturing all our products domestically, reflecting the core values of Make in India. This strategic approach has allowed us to deliver high-quality equipment at a competitive price, disrupting the market and setting new standards for domestic production.
Q: Can you provide an update on your current client base and the number of clients you are serving at this time, and the current revenue?
A: Currently, we support approximately 800 clients connected with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Escalating environmental concerns fuel our growth, prompting both government bodies and private organizations to enhance their monitoring of river systems, flood management, sewerage, and wastewater. This heightened focus is driving demand for our services. Although our revenue is relatively modest, with an annual turnover of around ₹10 crores, we are witnessing consistent and steady growth. Our commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges positions us well for continued expansion and increased impact in the field of environmental monitoring and management.
