Transforming Hyderabad: A Young IAS Officer’s Mission for Sustainable Urban Development

In the heart of Hyderabad’s urban transformation story is Hari Chandana, one of the top young IAS officers in India, who has been redefining what sustainable governance looks like in a fast-growing city. Known for her dynamic leadership and first-of-its-kind environmental initiatives, Hari Chandana has emerged as a trailblazing woman IAS officer setting new benchmarks in eco-conscious urban development.

Serving as the Zonal Commissioner of GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation), Hari Chandana launched a series of pioneering initiatives that have not only enhanced the city's livability but also set national standards in green governance. From lake rejuvenation to waste-to-wealth solutions, her tenure is marked by innovation and measurable impact.

One of her most celebrated projects is the restoration of Durgam Cheruvu, once a neglected urban lake, now transformed into a vibrant public space and ecological hotspot. This project combined environmental rehabilitation with community engagement and sustainable tourism—an approach that has since been adopted by several urban bodies across the country.

Not stopping at lake rejuvenation, Hari Chandana introduced India’s first scientific dog park, a concept virtually unheard of in civic planning. This space not only caters to urban pet owners but also promotes animal welfare, community interaction, and green space utilization, making it a model for inclusive urban planning.

Among her top green innovations is the plastic-to-paver tiles initiative, where non-recyclable plastic waste is converted into durable tiles used in public footpaths. This not only provided a sustainable waste management solution but also created employment, especially for women in self-help groups, blending environmental and social impact seamlessly.

As a young IAS officer, her governance model integrates technology, people participation, and sustainability. She championed the use of IoT and data-driven monitoring for public sanitation, waste collection, and pollution tracking, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in municipal operations.

What sets Hari Chandana apart is her ability to embed environmental values into the fabric of city administration without making them feel like add-ons. She is part of a new wave of IAS officers in India—leaders who are not just implementing policy but innovating on the ground.

Thanks to her efforts, Hyderabad has witnessed a rise in green public spaces, urban biodiversity, and civic innovation hubs. These interventions have also been lauded internationally, with Hari Chandana receiving the Platinum e-Governance Award and being featured among India’s most impactful IAS officers in various national publications.

Today, as cities across India grapple with the twin challenges of urbanization and environmental degradation, Hari Chandana’s work stands as a benchmark for climate-resilient city planning. Her success story proves that with the right intent and bold leadership, smart and sustainable cities are not a distant dream.

In a field often dominated by convention, this young woman IAS officer is proving that governance can be visionary, people-first, and planet-positive.