- Key Role: Chandra Venu Som is likely the Additional Chief Secretary for the Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department in Gujarat, overseeing critical water management initiatives.
- Background: Born on January 19, 1967, in Jharkhand, he is a 1990-batch IAS officer with an M.B.A. and M.Sc.
- Career: Previously served as Additional Chief Secretary for Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities, now focusing on water resource strategies.
- Uncertainty: Limited public information makes it challenging to confirm all details of his career or personal achievements.
- Impact: His work likely influences Gujarat’s water security, particularly through projects like Kalpsar, though specific contributions are not widely documented.
Who is Chandra Venu Som?
Chandra Venu Som, a senior IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, appears to be a key figure in the state’s administration. Born in Jharkhand, he joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1990 and has since risen to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary. His academic credentials, including an M.B.A. and M.Sc., suggest a strong foundation in management and science, which likely informs his approach to governance.
Current Role
As the Additional Chief Secretary for the Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department, Som is likely responsible for managing Gujarat’s water resources. This includes overseeing projects related to the Narmada River and the ambitious Kalpsar project, which aims to create a freshwater reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat. His role is critical in a state with diverse topography and rainfall challenges.
Previous Contributions
Before his current position, Som served as the Additional Chief Secretary for Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities, where he likely contributed to promoting sports and cultural initiatives in Gujarat. His transition to water resources highlights his versatility in handling diverse administrative challenges.
Why It Matters
Water management is vital for Gujarat, a state with significant agricultural and industrial demands. Som’s leadership in this area likely focuses on sustainable water use and infrastructure development, though specific achievements are not fully detailed in public sources. His work could have a lasting impact on the state’s development.
Chandra Venu Som: A Stalwart of Public Service in Gujarat
Chandra Venu Som is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Gujarat cadre, belonging to the 1990 batch. Born on January 19, 1967, in Jharkhand, he is currently 58 years old as of 2025. With a robust academic background, holding both an M.B.A. and an M.Sc., Som has leveraged his education to excel in various administrative roles, culminating in his current position as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government in the Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department, based in Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar.
Early Life and Education
Born in Jharkhand, Chandra Venu Som demonstrated academic excellence early on, earning advanced degrees in management (M.B.A.) and science (M.Sc.). These qualifications provided him with a unique blend of analytical and strategic skills, which have been instrumental in his career as a public servant. While details about his early life and family, including his spouse, are not publicly available, his educational achievements underscore his commitment to intellectual rigor and professional development.
Career in the Indian Administrative Service
Som joined the IAS on August 20, 1990, embarking on a career dedicated to public service in Gujarat. Over the past three decades, he has held various significant positions, showcasing his versatility and expertise in governance. His career trajectory reflects a steady rise through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to Additional Chief Secretary in 2020.
Key Positions Held
| Position | Department | Period | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Secretary | Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities Department | Until 2020 | Promoting sports, youth engagement, and cultural activities in Gujarat |
| Additional Chief Secretary | Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities Department | 2020–2021 | Overseeing strategic initiatives in sports and culture |
| Additional Chief Secretary | Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department | 2021–Present | Managing water resource allocation, Narmada projects, and the Kalpsar initiative |
Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities
Prior to his current role, Som served as the Additional Chief Secretary for the Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities Department. In this capacity, he likely played a pivotal role in fostering sports development, encouraging youth participation, and preserving Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage. His efforts may have included organizing state-level sports events, supporting cultural festivals, and promoting initiatives to engage young people in constructive activities. While specific achievements in this role are not widely documented, his promotion to Additional Chief Secretary in 2020 suggests recognition of his effective leadership.
Current Role: Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department
Since November 2021, Som has been the Additional Chief Secretary for the Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department. This role places him at the forefront of managing one of Gujarat’s most critical resources water. Gujarat, with its varied topography and rainfall patterns, faces significant challenges in water management, including ensuring equitable distribution for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
Key Responsibilities
- Narmada River Projects: Overseeing the implementation and management of projects related to the Narmada River, including the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which provides water and power to multiple states.
- Kalpsar Project: Leading the ambitious Kalpsar project, which aims to create a freshwater reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat by constructing a dam. This project is expected to enhance Gujarat’s water security and support agricultural productivity.
- Water Supply Management: Ensuring a reliable water supply for urban and rural areas, addressing issues like water scarcity and quality.
- Sustainable Development: Promoting sustainable water use through technology and data-driven strategies, balancing economic and ecological needs.
The Kalpsar Project
The Kalpsar project is a flagship initiative under Som’s purview. It involves constructing a 30-km dam across the Gulf of Khambhat to create a massive freshwater reservoir. This project aims to store surplus water from rivers like the Narmada, Mahi, and Sabarmati, providing a sustainable solution to Gujarat’s water needs. Som’s leadership is crucial in navigating the technical, financial, and environmental challenges associated with this project, which could transform the state’s water landscape.
Contributions to Gujarat’s Development
Som’s work in water resource management is particularly significant given Gujarat’s challenges with water scarcity and uneven rainfall distribution. His role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, including the Narmada Control Authority, local bodies, and other government departments, to ensure effective policy implementation. His efforts likely contribute to:
- Enhancing agricultural productivity through improved irrigation systems.
- Ensuring drinking water availability in drought-prone regions.
- Supporting industrial growth by securing water supplies for manufacturing.
- Promoting environmental sustainability through efficient resource management.
While specific achievements attributed to Som are not extensively documented in public sources, his position as Additional Chief Secretary suggests he plays a strategic role in shaping Gujarat’s water policies. His leadership in the Kalpsar project, in particular, positions him as a key figure in one of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives.
Professional Traits
Som’s career reflects qualities essential for a senior bureaucrat: strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to public welfare. His academic background in management and science likely informs his data-driven approach to governance, while his experience across diverse departments highlights his ability to tackle complex challenges. Colleagues in the IAS often describe officers of his caliber as disciplined, approachable, and results-oriented, traits that are critical for navigating the intricacies of government administration.
Retirement and Legacy
Chandra Venu Som is set to retire on January 20, 2027, after nearly 37 years of service. His contributions to Gujarat’s development, particularly in the realms of water resources and sports, are likely to leave a lasting impact. The successful implementation of projects like Kalpsar could cement his legacy as a visionary administrator who addressed one of the state’s most pressing challenges water security.
Challenges in Documenting Achievements
Due to the limited availability of public information, detailed accounts of Som’s specific contributions and personal life are scarce. This is common for senior bureaucrats, whose work often occurs behind the scenes and is not always highlighted in public media. For a more comprehensive understanding of his achievements, official government records, departmental reports, or direct interviews would be necessary.