https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Shailaja Chandra’s 2.5-Year Fight to Hold Polluters Accountable on the Yamuna

Shailaja Chandra, as co-chairperson of the Yamuna Monitoring Committee, spearheaded a multi-state initiative to combat pollution in the Yamuna River, earning commendation from the National Green Tribunal.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Shailaja Chandra’s illustrious 38-year career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is marked by groundbreaking achievements, from pioneering governance reforms to leading critical environmental initiatives. Her leadership as Chief Secretary of Delhi and her relentless dedication to public health and the environment exemplify her extraordinary contribution to India’s development.

At just 21, Shailaja Chandra joined the IAS, beginning her career in Maharashtra before transferring to the Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre after marriage. Over her career, she served in pivotal roles across the Ministries of Defence, Power, and Health. Her early exposure to energy policy, including coal, solar, and wind power, proved invaluable during her tenure as Joint Secretary in the Department of Power.

Her ascent to Chief Secretary of Delhi was equally groundbreaking, making her the first—and only—woman to hold the position since its inception.

Championing Yamuna Restoration

In 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) appointed Shailaja Chandra as co-chairperson of the Yamuna Monitoring Committee. Tasked with overseeing efforts to reduce pollution in the heavily contaminated Yamuna River, she played a pivotal role in coordinating 16 stakeholders across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Key achievements of the committee included:

  • Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): Ensuring the establishment of STPs to treat domestic and industrial waste.
  • Effluent Management: Monitoring Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and enforcing the “polluter pays” principle for industries dumping waste into the river.
  • Waste Management: Addressing solid waste dumping in Yamuna’s drains and creating systems for accountability.
  • Bio-Diversity Projects: Reviving 10 stalled biodiversity projects by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), ensuring they reached completion.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Submitting five extensive reports to the NGT detailing delays, lapses, and actionable solutions.

The NGT accepted all recommendations made by the committee over a 2.5-year period and commended Chandra and her team for their meticulous work and unwavering commitment to the cause. In conversation with Indian Masterminds, she talks about the challenges in cleaning Yamuna even after the efforts. Link Here : 

Transforming the Health Sector

During her eight years (1991–1999) in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Shailaja Chandra implemented critical national health programs. Her tenure as Secretary (Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy) stood out as a rare case of an IAS officer achieving continuity and impact in a single ministry.

Life After IAS: Continuing to Serve

Post-retirement, Shailaja Chandra remained active in public service, taking on leadership roles in government assignments and engaging with NGOs, the media, and advisory boards. Her unwavering focus on governance, environmental stewardship, and public health has left an indelible mark on India’s policy landscape.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
MP News
Madhya Pradesh Emerging as a Global Hub for Renewable Energy and Green Innovations
Madhya Pradesh News
MP: Bhopal to Emerge as a Metropolitan Hub with Major Urban Development Projects, Reaffirms CM Dr. Mohan Yadav
Kerala High Court
Lawyer-Police Conflicts: Kerala High Court Constitutes Redressal Panels, Regulates Arrests in Court Premises
Vote Theft Allegation
IAS Association Condemns Online Targeting of CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Family Amid Political Row of "Vote Theft"
IFS Shraddha Pandre
Lady Singham of the Forests: IFS Shraddha Pandre’s Fearless Crusade to Protect Madhya Pradesh’s Wilderness
Nirman Bharti Magazine Award
NBCC (India) Ltd Honored with Shield Award for Hindi Magazine “Nirman Bharti” at Delhi TOLIC Event
Sundarban Tiger Reserve
NBWL Approves Expansion: Sundarbans Climbs to Second Place Among India’s Tiger Reserves With 1,044.68 Sq Km Addition
Maharashtra Forest Dept
Forest Department Rescues 42 Munias, Arrests Two Wildlife Traffickers in Navi Mumbai - Check All Details
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
FEMINA
Women Warriors on the Cover: Femina India Celebrates Army’s Finest in August 2025 Special - Watch the Cover Shoot Inside
Femina India’s August 2025 cover pays tribute to ten Indian Army women officers, showcasing courage,...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
MP News
Madhya Pradesh Emerging as a Global Hub for Renewable Energy and Green Innovations
Madhya Pradesh News
MP: Bhopal to Emerge as a Metropolitan Hub with Major Urban Development Projects, Reaffirms CM Dr. Mohan Yadav
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT