From Waste to Wonder: Hari Chandana's Innovative Approach

During her tenure as the Zonal Commissioner for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), IAS officer Hari Chandana Dasari made significant strides in transforming waste management in Hyderabad by turning waste into valuable resources. Her innovative initiatives not only addressed the city’s pressing waste management issues but also fostered a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness among its citizens.

Pioneering Plastic Waste Recycling

One of Hari Chandana’s most notable contributions was her groundbreaking approach to plastic waste recycling. Under her leadership, Hyderabad became a pioneer in using recycled plastic to construct roads. This initiative not only helped reduce the city’s plastic waste but also contributed to the development of more durable and eco-friendly roads. By incorporating shredded plastic waste into the asphalt mix, the GHMC was able to extend the lifespan of roads and reduce maintenance costs, all while tackling the environmental hazards posed by plastic waste .

Community Involvement and Awareness

Hari Chandana recognized that for any waste management initiative to be successful, community involvement was crucial. She launched several awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of waste segregation and recycling. By encouraging residents to segregate waste at the source and participate in local recycling programs, she significantly increased the city’s recycling rates. These efforts were further supported by the introduction of ‘Dry Resource Collection Centres,’ where dry waste, including plastics, could be deposited for recycling .

Upcycling and Creating Livelihoods

Beyond recycling, Hari Chandana also focused on upcycling waste to create economic opportunities. Under her guidance, the GHMC partnered with various NGOs and local artisans to upcycle waste materials into useful products like furniture, bags, and decorative items. This initiative not only reduced the amount of waste going to landfills but also provided livelihoods to many people, especially women from underprivileged backgrounds. The products created through upcycling were sold at exhibitions and markets, further promoting the concept of waste as a resource  .

Recognition and Legacy

Hari Chandana’s efforts in waste management have been widely recognized and have set a precedent for other cities in India. Her innovative approach to turning waste into resources has made a lasting impact on Hyderabad’s urban landscape and has inspired similar initiatives across the country. By transforming waste into valuable resources, Hari Chandana has shown that effective waste management can drive sustainability while also contributing to economic development.

Her work serves as a model for urban administrators and environmentalists alike, demonstrating that with the right leadership and community involvement, cities can tackle even the most daunting environmental challenges.

For more information on her initiatives

https://yourstory.com/2019/01/ias-officer-hari-chandana-dasari-recycle-plastic-waste-management

https://thebetterindia.com/163709/ias-hero-hyderabad-recycling-plastic-india-news/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3irUmc5w30

https://thebetterindia.com/163709/ias-hero-hyderabad-recycling-plastic-india-news/#google_vignette

https://www.speakin.co/edit/the-eco-warrior-ias-officer-hari-chandana-dasari/