Hari Chandana is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Telangana cadre, who is currently the Food Safety Commissioner and Director of AYUSH Telangana. She is an alumna of the London School of Economics and the University of Hyderabad. She is known as a sustainability crusader and an advocate of recycling, which has won her many accolades. She is also a motivational speaker and an eco-warrior, who has inspired many people with her vision and actions. In this article, we will explore how Hari Chandana is leading India’s green future with her innovative and impactful initiatives.

HariChandana #SheInspiresUs #GreenGovernance #Sustainability #Recycling

One of the most remarkable achievements of Hari Chandana is her promotion of the recycling and reuse of plastic waste in Hyderabad, when she was the Zonal Commissioner and Additional Commissioner of GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation). She spearheaded the creation of footpaths, street furniture, art installations, and rooftops with recycled plastic, which reduced the environmental and health hazards of plastic pollution. She also involved the local communities, especially women and children, in the collection and segregation of plastic waste, and provided them with income and employment opportunities. She also introduced permeable tree grates to save trees in the pavements, which allowed water and air to reach the roots of the trees.

PlasticWaste #CircularEconomy #CommunityEngagement #TreeGrates

Another notable achievement of Hari Chandana is her creation of India’s first ever pet park for dogs in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The pet park is spread over 1.3 acres and has various facilities and amenities for dogs and their owners, such as play areas, splash pools, agility equipment, veterinary clinic, dog cafe, etc. The pet park provides a safe and fun space for dogs and their owners to bond and socialize. The pet park also promotes animal welfare and awareness, and encourages responsible pet ownership.

PetPark #DogLovers #AnimalWelfare #ResponsiblePetOwnership

Hari Chandana has also been instrumental in reviving and rejuvenating several lakes in Hyderabad and Narayanpet districts, such as Durgam Cheruvu Lake, Mir Alam Lake, Neknampur Lake, Pedda Cheruvu Lake, etc. The lake rejuvenation projects involved de-silting, de-weeding, fencing, landscaping, beautification, and installation of aerators, fountains, and solar lights. The lake rejuvenation projects enhanced the water quality, biodiversity, and recreation value of the lakes. Hari Chandana also used drone technology to spray for mosquito eradication and de-weed water bodies, which was a smart and efficient way of controlling vector-borne diseases and maintaining the water quality.

LakeRejuvenation #WaterQuality #Biodiversity #DroneTechnology

Hari Chandana has also initiated several innovative and impactful initiatives to improve the lives of the people and the environment in Narayanpet district, where she was the Collector and District Magistrate. Some of these initiatives are:

• T-Consult: A free telemedical service connecting rural areas with specialist doctors, which improved the access and quality of healthcare for the villagers.

• Aarunya: A first-of-its-kind district marketing company providing an e-platform to rural SHG women to reach out to metro markets, which empowered the women economically and socially.

• EarlyCoders: A program that trains the rural children in coding and app development, using online platforms and mentors, which enhanced their employability and creativity.

• Heritage Step Wells: A project that restored the cultural and historical legacy of the region by preserving and renovating the ancient step wells in the district.

TConsult #Aarunya #EarlyCoders #HeritageStepWells

Hari Chandana has also received many awards and recognitions for her outstanding work and contribution to the society and the environment. Some of them are:

• British Council Alumni Award for Social Impact in 2021, recognizing her contribution to sustainable development through localized governance solutions.

• Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2020, along with 12 other public officials from the country, for her exemplary work in Narayanpet.

• Science and Sustainability Award in 2021, a testament to her extraordinary work in promoting environmental protection and sustainable development.

• FICCI, Women in Public Service Award in 2021, for her exemplary leadership and service in the public sector.

BritishCouncilAlumniAward #PMsAward #ScienceAndSustainabilityAward #FICCIWomenAward

Hari Chandana is a role model and an inspiration for many people, especially women and young aspirants, who want to make a difference in the world. She has shown that with passion, dedication, and innovation, one can achieve great heights and lead India’s green future.

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