Meet IAS Harichandana, who left her London job to become an eco-warrior

Harichandana's journey began in Hyderabad, where she completed her schooling and developed a strong foundation of values. She attended St. Ann's for both her high school and undergraduate studies, followed by postgraduate work at the University of Hyderabad.  

Amidst the bustling metropolis of Hyderabad, where urbanisation often tugs at the threads of environmental and ecological balance, one determined woman has made it her mission to preserve and rejuvenate the city’s natural beauty—IAS Officer Harichandana.

Her transformative efforts, particularly in lake restoration, step-wells revival and urban sustainability, have not only revived Hyderabad’s deteriorating lakes but also empowered communities to engage in environmental stewardship. Her journey towards this impactful role is one marked by dedication, perseverance, and a deeply personal inspiration to give back to society and country.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits

Harichandana’s journey began in Hyderabad, where she completed her schooling and developed a strong foundation of values. She attended St. Ann’s for both her high school and undergraduate studies, followed by postgraduate work at the University of Hyderabad.

Driven by a passion for higher learning, she went on to complete her MSc in Environmental Economics from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). This international exposure sharpened her understanding of global environmental challenges and equipped her with the cuttting edge skills needed to tackle them. Post-LSE, she began working with the World Bank, followed by a lucrative role at the BP Shell in London.

A Turning Point, the chosen path: Choosing Civil Service Over Corporate Successes

Despite her flourishing career in London, Harichandana’s sense of purpose was deeply influenced by a sense of patriotism and calling from the homeland.

Realising the importance of contributing to her homeland, she made a pivotal decision—to become a civil servant.

In 2010, Harichandana cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt, earning her rightful place in the Telangana cadre as an IAS officer.

Ever Since then, she has made significant contributions in various roles, including her stint in GHMC as Zonal Commissioner in various zones for over five years, Collector Nalgonda and Narayanpet and State Nodal Officer Prajavani. These tenures gave her recognition such as the Best DM Award, Most influential Alumni Award from LSE etc.

A Vision Rooted in Environmental Conservation

Her passion for environmental rejuvenation is deeply rooted in her understanding of the ecological and cultural significance of Hyderabad’s lakes. Leading as the Zonal Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), she saw beyond mere restoration and rejuvenation. Her vision extended to creating ecosystems that could thrive long after the initial rejuvenation efforts.

The crown jewel of her work is the restoration of Durgam Cheruvu, and also played a pivotal role in the installation of the cable bridge. Durgam Cheruvu, a lake once plagued by pollution and neglect is now one of the tourist hubs of TG. Through her leadership, the lake has been transformed into a flourishing water body, teeming with biodiversity and serving as a serene retreat for locals. This project laid the foundation for her holistic approach—one that blends cutting-edge technology with traditional environmental wisdom.

Innovative Techniques and Sustainable Solutions

Harichandana’s lake restoration projects are remarkable not only for their environmental impact but also for the innovative techniques she employed. She introduced desilting and interceptor lines to divert sewage from the lakes and used drone technology to monitor water quality and ensure the lakes’ long-term health.

Her commitment to sustainability extended to enhancing biodiversity by reintroducing native plant species, thus ensuring that the lakes were more than just visually appealing—they became self-sustaining ecosystems. She encountered and overcame all obstacles with steely and steadfast determination to make a difference and lighten up lives.

Her efforts have been recognised nationally, with the Indian Green Building Council praising her work in water body protection and sustainability practices.

Empowering Communities Through Engagement

One of the most distinctive aspects of her work is her emphasis on community involvement. Her approach goes beyond bureaucratic solutions; it involves the citizens of Hyderabad. She initiated numerous educational campaigns, community cleanup drives, and cultural celebrations at the restored lakes, ensuring the local population saw these water bodies as their own.

Festivals like Bathukamma and Ganesh Chaturthi were celebrated at the lakes, seamlessly integrating cultural heritage with environmental preservation. By fostering a sense of ownership among residents, Harichandana ensured that the lakes would remain well-maintained even after government-led projects were completed.

Expanding the Green Agenda

While her most visible success has been in lake restoration, Harichandana’s vision for Hyderabad’s sustainability doesn’t stop there. She introduced urban green projects, turning neglected areas into vibrant parks, and spearheaded innovative infrastructure projects, including using recycled plastics in road construction. Notably, she designed India’s first scientific dog park, further showcasing her ability to integrate modern urban needs with environmental consciousness.

Challenges Met with Determination

Restoring severely polluted lakes like Durgam Cheruvu posed significant challenges. Harichandana faced hurdles ranging from sewage inflows to illegal encroachments along the lake’s boundaries. But her ability to collaborate with multiple government agencies and implement long-term strategies helped her overcome these obstacles. Her dedication ensured that the lakes were not just cleaned up temporarily but restored to sustain future generations.

Leaving a Legacy of Sustainability

Harichandana’s work aligns closely with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of clean water management and biodiversity conservation. Her initiatives address key environmental challenges while fostering community engagement—a critical factor in ensuring the sustainability of urban ecosystems.

ReUse ReCycle Restore Rejuvenate and Revive has always been her mantra.

Recognised widely as a Green Warrior, Harichandana’s influence extends beyond her projects. With an excellent academic background from the London School of Economics, she has expertly blended macro theoretical knowledge with micro-practical solutions to tackle Hyderabad’s environmental issues.

Her decision to leave a lucrative job in London and dedicate herself to public service reflects her deep commitment to creating a lasting change.