Transforming Governance, Empowering Communities

HariChandana is a trailblazing Indian Administrative Service officer known for her citizen-centric governance and passion for sustainable development. From rejuvenating lakes and leading plastic recycling drives in urban areas to empowering women in rural Telangana, her work is a reflection of innovative, inclusive leadership. With a deep belief in service as a form of devotion, she continues to redefine public administration through environmental action, digital transformation, and grassroots empowerment.

"Every challenge is an opportunity to serve better." — HariChandana

Explore her path, impact, and mission-driven leadership that inspires a new era of public service.

Meet HariChandana

Administrator, Eco Warrior, Changemaker

HariChandana's journey combines global exposure with local impact. With degrees from the University of Hyderabad and LSE, she transitioned from a high-paying London job to IAS in 2010...

She has held key positions such as Assistant Collector in Vishakapatnam, Sub Collector in Vijayawada, Zonal Commissioner at GHMC, Collector of Narayanpet and Nalgonda, Food Safety Commissioner, Director of AYUSH, Director of Municipal Administration, Special Secretary in the Roads & Buildings Department, Telangana, and Director General of the National Academy of Construction (NAC). She currently serves as District Collector Hyderabad, appointed in June 2025 during a major Telangana bureaucratic reshuffle.

Her governance style is marked by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and grassroots involvement. From smart infrastructure to women's economic empowerment and climate resilience, HariChandana leads with empathy, efficiency, and bold vision.

HariChandana

HariChandana IAS

District Collector Hyderabad,Telangana

Awards & Recognitions

BEST D.M. Award (2023) – Indian Express Jury British Council Alumni Award (2021) – Social Impact (Only Indian Recipient) FICCI FLO Award for Women Empowerment (2021) Top 10 IAS Officers Creating Change – Better India (2018) Top 4 IAS Officers Making a Difference – The Print (2019) SpeakIn Honoree – One of India’s 8 Most Influential IAS Officers (2021) GoI National Tourism Award (2017) LSE’s Most Influential Alumni Award Award for Excellence in ESGs, SDGs & Climate Action – SpeakIn Top 10 Inspiring IAS Officers in India – Multiple platforms Inspiring Woman in Public Service – Recognized for transformative work in governance and gender inclusion

My Journey So Far

My education and experiences from every phase of my life have molded me into the person I am today.

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Schooling & Graduation

Completed schooling at St. Ann’s, Hyderabad, and earned a bachelor's degree in Economics, Political Science & Public Administration from St. Ann’s College, Hyderabad

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Master’s Degrees

MA in Political Science from University of Hyderabad

MSc in Environmental Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE)

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Early Career

Worked at World Bank and BP Shell in London before leaving for civil service

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UPSC & Cadre

Cracked the UPSC in 2009 (second attempt) and joined the IAS in 2010, choosing her home cadre, Telangana

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GHMC Roles

Served as Zonal Commissioner (West Zone) and Additional Commissioner with GHMC—led urban infrastructure and waste management reforms

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District Collector Positions:

Narayanpet

As DM, directed COVID‑19 response (testing, drones, ration delivery, telemedicine) and engaged 4,000+ women in mask production

Nalgonda

Oversaw district development and skill-building/job initiatives

Hyderabad

Appointed Collector in June 2025 during major Telangana bureaucratic reshuffle

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State Secretary Roles

Held positions such as Special Secretary, Roads & Buildings Department; Director of AYUSH; Director of Municipal Administration; State Nodal Officer for Praja Vani

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Environment & Waste

Championed Hyderabad's green efforts—plastic recycling into tiles, upcycled furniture in parks, dog parks from dump yards, landfill-to‑park conversions

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Public Facilities

Introduced “Pet Parks,” “She Toilets,” “She Marts,” mobile women's sanitation, and community food-sharing units (“Feed the Need,” “Give and Share”)

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COVID Response & Livelihood

Set up mask-making units engaging ~4,000 women, generating ₹50 lakh profit; connected rural producers to markets with e-commerce ("Aarunya”), and launched telemedicine services in Narayanpet

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Smart Town Initiatives

Advanced lake rejuvenation, heritage stepwell restoration, Panchatantra-themed parks and digital coding training in rural areas

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Election Governance

Acted as Returning Officer for MLC by-elections in Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda

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British Council Social Impact Award

In 2021, honored for pandemic-era women-led mask initiative

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Eco‑Warrior Title

Acknowledged for pioneering large-scale plastic waste recycling in Hyderabad

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Featured Among Top IAS Officers

Recognized in national lists for leadership in governance, impactful administration, and inspiring women officials