Connie Etemadi
Image Credit: IAS Officer Hari Chandana
IAS Officer Hari Chandana has been widely acknowledged for her contributions to green governance through her initiative, “Governance with a Green Heart.” She merges innovation, cultural preservation, and sustainability through her model, creating a model for climate-resilient administration across India.
A senior bureaucrat in Telangana, Hari Chandana, is widely celebrated for integrating eco-centric reforms into the public sector, encompassing infrastructure and urban planning, to heritage conservation. The Forum’s jury praised her innovative and impactful use of recycled plastic for road construction, sustainable city planning aligned with India’s urbanization goals, and the revival of historic step-wells as key indicators of her holistic approach.
Plastic Roads, one of Hari Chandana’s signature initiatives, targets two problems simultaneously by utilizing plastic waste in a useful way. The initiative reduces waste by replacing up to 10% of bitumen with shredded plastic in road construction. Over 50 kilometers of such roads have been constructed in Hyderabad, resulting in fewer potholes, enhanced flood resistance, and safer commuting—all while generating employment for local waste workers.
In green urban planning, Hari Chandana draws inspiration from the National Urban Policy Framework. Solar-powered public infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, and the Miyawaki or Pot Plantation method aim to create cities with inclusive growth and environmental integrity.
Hari Chandana’s work includes cultural restoration, as evidenced by her initiatives regarding stepwell restoration. In collaboration with archaeologists and artisans, 12 ancient baolis across Telangana have been revived, restoring water access and heritage value. These wells, some dating back to the 1800s, now function as both reservoirs and community spaces, enhancing regional water resilience.
Hari Chandana engages collaborative models with NGOs, civic bodies, and local communities. “These aren’t just projects—they’re prototypes for a future-ready India,” shared IAS Hari Chandana. “Governance must be rooted in empathy, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”
Moving forward, Hair Chandana IAS reveals her plans for expanding the stretch of plastic roads to 200km, planting 100 urban forests, and restoring 30 more stepwells by 2025, solidifying her status as one of India’s most dynamic eco-administrators.
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Hari Chandana IAS
Eco-Administrative Governance
Sustainable Urban Development
Governance With A Green Heart