Hari Chandana Dasari, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2010 Telangana cadre, stands as a beacon of inspiration for millions. Known for her innovative governance, commitment to environmental sustainability, and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, she has carved a niche as one of India’s most impactful civil servants. From leaving a lucrative career in London to cracking the prestigious UPSC exam on her second attempt, Hari Chandana’s journey exemplifies resilience, purpose, and a deep-rooted desire to serve her nation.
Early Life and Education: Roots of Determination
Born in 1984 in Hyderabad, Telangana, Hari Chandana Dasari grew up in a household that valued public service. Her father, D. Srinivas, a retired IAS officer from the 1987 batch, played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview. Watching her father navigate the challenges of bureaucracy and make a tangible difference in people’s lives left an indelible mark on her. Her mother, a homemaker, provided a nurturing environment, while her brother pursued a career in medicine, adding to the family’s legacy of service-oriented professions.
Hari Chandana’s academic journey began at St. Ann’s School in Hyderabad, where she excelled in her studies and developed a strong foundation in discipline and ethics. She pursued her undergraduate degree at St. Ann’s College, Hyderabad, majoring in Economics and Public Administration—subjects that would later align seamlessly with her career in governance. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), where she earned a Master’s degree in Political Science. However, her academic pursuits didn’t stop there. She went on to study at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) in the UK, where she completed a postgraduate degree in Environmental Economics—a field that would become central to her later contributions as an IAS officer.
A Life-Changing Decision: From London to UPSC
After completing her education at LSE, Hari Chandana secured a high-paying job in London, working with globally renowned organizations like the World Bank and BP Shell. Her role at the World Bank, in particular, involved working on a UNDP-funded project under the Global Environment Facility, giving her early exposure to sustainable development and environmental policy. Despite the financial security and prestige of her corporate career, something was missing. A pivotal moment came during a visit to India when she met an elderly man who had been positively impacted by her father’s work decades earlier. This encounter reignited her desire to contribute directly to society, prompting her to leave her cushy London job and return to India.
Determined to follow in her father’s footsteps, Hari Chandana set her sights on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination—one of the toughest competitive exams in India. She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in her second attempt in 2010, earning a coveted spot in the IAS and joining the Telangana cadre. Her decision to abandon a lucrative international career for the uncertainties of public service reflects her unwavering commitment to her country and its people.
Career Milestones: A Legacy of Impactful Governance
Hari Chandana Dasari’s IAS career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Over the years, she has held numerous significant positions, each marked by innovative solutions and community-focused initiatives. Here’s a closer look at her key roles and contributions:
- Early Postings (2012–2014):
Hari Chandana began her career as an Assistant Collector in Visakhapatnam (2012–2013), where she gained hands-on experience in grassroots administration. Her stint as Sub-Collector in Vijayawada (2013–2014) further honed her skills in crisis management and public welfare. - Zonal Commissioner, GHMC (2014–2019):
One of her most transformative tenures was as Zonal Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Here, she emerged as an “Eco Warrior,” spearheading environmental initiatives that earned her national recognition. She introduced recycling programs, turning plastic waste into footpath tiles and road materials, and pioneered India’s first bamboo conference hall and scientific dog park in Hyderabad. Her efforts in lake restoration, particularly Durgam Cheruvu, involved desilting, sewage diversion, and drone-based monitoring—reviving ecosystems while engaging local communities in cultural events like Bathukamma to foster ownership. - District Collector, Narayanpet and Nalgonda:
As District Collector of Narayanpet (2020–2022) and Nalgonda (2024), Hari Chandana focused on sustainable development and skill-building programs. Her tenure in Nalgonda included overseeing the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda MLC by-elections as Returning Officer, ensuring a seamless electoral process. Her emphasis on “smart towns and villages” laid the groundwork for scalable urban development models. - State Nodal Officer, Praja Vani (2023–Present):
Appointed as the State Nodal Officer for Praja Vani in December 2023, Hari Chandana continues to bridge the gap between citizens and the government, ensuring grievances are addressed efficiently.
Signature Initiatives: Pioneering Change
Hari Chandana Dasari’s career is defined by groundbreaking initiatives that blend innovation with social impact:
- Green Governance and Waste Management:
Her passion for environmental sustainability led to Hyderabad becoming a leader in recycling initiatives. From permeable tree grates to zero-waste offices (her GHMC Serilingampally office earned ISO 14001 certification), she set new benchmarks in urban sustainability. - Women’s Empowerment:
Programs like “She Toilets” and “She Marts” addressed women’s safety and economic independence, earning her accolades like the FICCI FLO Award for Women Empowerment in 2021. - Community Welfare:
Initiatives such as “Feed the Need” (modeled after food banks in the UK and Canada) and “Give and Share” kiosks tackled hunger and resource distribution, reflecting her holistic approach to governance. - Urban Biodiversity:
She transformed neglected spaces into vibrant urban parks, including Mir Alam Park and a geriatric park in Miyapur, enhancing quality of life for residents.
Awards and Recognition: A Celebrated Career
Hari Chandana’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including:
- Top 10 IAS Officers (Better India, 2018): Recognized for creating change at the grassroots level.
- Top 4 IAS Officers (The Print, 2019): Highlighted for making a difference in public administration.
- British Council Alumni Award (2021): The only Indian recipient in the Social Impact category.
- Best DM Award (2023): Conferred by the Indian Express jury, chaired by former CJI Justice R.M. Lodha.
- Shortlisted for PM’s Award for Excellence (2020): A testament to her administrative prowess.
Personal Life: Balancing Duty and Family
Hari Chandana is married to an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and is a proud mother to a daughter. Despite her demanding career, she maintains a balance between her professional commitments and personal life, drawing strength from her family’s support. Her father’s legacy as an IAS officer and her husband’s shared understanding of public service create a nurturing environment for her endeavors.
Hari Chandana Dasari Today: A Vision for the Future
As of March 07, 2025, Hari Chandana continues to serve as an IAS officer with an unwavering focus on sustainable development, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Her journey from a London-based professional to a celebrated IAS officer in Telangana is a powerful narrative of sacrifice, resilience, and purpose. At 41, she remains a role model for aspiring civil servants, particularly women, proving that passion and perseverance can drive meaningful change.
Top FAQs About Hari Chandana Dasari, IAS
- Who is Hari Chandana Dasari?
Hari Chandana Dasari is an IAS officer of the 2010 Telangana cadre, known for her innovative governance, environmental initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs. - What is Hari Chandana Dasari’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. Ann’s College, Hyderabad, a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Hyderabad, and an MSc in Environmental Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE). - Why did Hari Chandana leave her job in London?
Inspired by her father’s work as an IAS officer and a desire to serve India, she left a high-paying job at the World Bank and BP Shell in London to pursue a career in the IAS. - What are some of Hari Chandana Dasari’s notable initiatives?
Her key initiatives include lake restoration (e.g., Durgam Cheruvu), recycling programs, “She Toilets,” “Feed the Need,” and urban park development. - What awards has Hari Chandana Dasari received?
She has been honored with the Best DM Award (2023), British Council Alumni Award (2021), and recognition as one of India’s top IAS officers by Better India and The Print. - Which districts has Hari Chandana served as District Collector?
She served as District Collector of Narayanpet (2020–2022) and Nalgonda (2024). - What is Hari Chandana Dasari’s current role?
As of March 07, 2025, she is the State Nodal Officer for Praja Vani and Director of Municipal Administration in Telangana. - How did Hari Chandana Dasari prepare for the UPSC exam?
She cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt in 2010, relying on her academic background and determination to succeed. - Is Hari Chandana Dasari married?
Yes, she is married to an IRS officer and has a daughter. - Why is Hari Chandana Dasari called an “Eco Warrior”?
Her focus on environmental sustainability, including waste management, lake restoration, and green urban projects, earned her the title “Eco Warrior.”
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