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.
