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." — Hari Chandana

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, and currently serves as Special Secretary in the Roads & Buildings Department, Telangana and also Director General, National Academy of Construction (NAC).

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

Special Secretary, R&B Dept. Telangana

Key Initiatives

Empowering Change Across Every Role

Environmental Leadership

Spearheaded plastic recycling projects in Hyderabad, recycling over 25 million metric tons of plastic waste into paver tiles. Revived Durgam Cheruvu Lake into a vibrant eco-tourism, (Baram Baavi) Stepwell restoration at Narayanpet spot and pioneered India’s first Pet Park.

Urban Innovation

Launched self-sustaining Loo-Cafes, mobile She-Toilets for women, and the “Feed the Need” community refrigerator network to reduce food waste and support the needy.

Rural Transformation

In Narayanpet, constructed 35,000+ toilets, introduced Telangana’s first mobile bus toilet for women, and facilitated over 4000 jobs through women-led SHG initiatives like mask-making and food processing.

Digital Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Developed "Early Coders" to teach coding in 61 government schools and launched “Aarunya,” an e-commerce platform for rural artisans to reach global markets.

Healthcare & Wellbeing

Championed T-Consult, a free telemedicine platform for rural patients. As AYUSH Director, promoted traditional medicine systems and holistic health.

Inclusive Development

Implemented India’s first land pooling scheme in Vijayawada, trained women in alternative energy, and worked to restore cultural heritage like stepwells.

Governance & Technology

As State Nodal Officer of Praja Vani, streamlined grievance redressal, promoted e-governance, and bridged the gap between citizens and administration.

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.

London School of Economics

M.Sc in Environmental Economics

University of Hyderabad

Masters in political sciences

St. Anns College, Hyderabad

Bachelors degree in Economics, Public Administration, & Political Science Schoolings in 14 different Tribal schools

London School of Economics

M.Sc in Environmental Economics

University of Hyderabad

Masters in political sciences

St. Anns College, Hyderabad

Bachelors degree in Economics, Public Administration, & Political Science Schoolings in 14 different Tribal schools

London School of Economics

M.Sc in Environmental Economics

University of Hyderabad

Masters in political sciences

St. Anns College, Hyderabad

Bachelors degree in Economics, Public Administration, & Political Science Schoolings in 14 different Tribal schools

London School of Economics

M.Sc in Environmental Economics

University of Hyderabad

Masters in political sciences

St. Anns College, Hyderabad

Bachelors degree in Economics, Public Administration, & Political Science Schoolings in 14 different Tribal schools