In the heart of India’s environmental governance, where the delicate balance between nature and progress is constantly tested, Mr. D. R. Chandravanshi stands as a beacon of dedication and innovation. As the Under Secretary in the Forest and Climate Change Department, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to preserving India’s natural heritage. From his humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in shaping environmental policies, Chandravanshi’s story is one of grit, vision, and transformative impact.
Early Life: Roots Grounded in Nature
Born in a small village in Madhya Pradesh, D. R. Chandravanshi grew up surrounded by the lush greenery of the Satpura forests. His childhood was filled with memories of chasing butterflies through dense woods, listening to the rustling leaves, and learning the names of trees from his grandfather, a local farmer with a deep reverence for nature. These early experiences planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for environmental conservation. However, life in the village was not without its challenges. With limited access to quality education and resources, Chandravanshi’s family struggled to make ends meet. Yet, his parents instilled in him the value of hard work and education as a pathway to a better future.
Determined to rise above his circumstances, Chandravanshi excelled in his studies, often walking miles to the nearest school with tattered books in hand. His academic brilliance earned him a scholarship to a prestigious college in Bhopal, where he pursued a degree in Environmental Science. It was here that he first encountered the harsh realities of deforestation, climate change, and the exploitation of natural resources—issues that would later define his career.
The Making of a Public Servant
After completing his education, Chandravanshi knew he wanted to serve the nation in a way that aligned with his love for the environment. He set his sights on the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), a dream that required years of relentless preparation. In 2005, after multiple attempts, he cleared the UPSC examination with flying colors, a moment that marked the beginning of his journey as a public servant. His early postings in rural districts exposed him to the ground realities of environmental degradation—illegal logging, human-wildlife conflicts, and the devastating effects of climate change on farmers. These experiences fueled his resolve to make a difference at a systemic level.
Chandravanshi’s career took a significant turn when he was assigned to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2012. The ministry, responsible for overseeing India’s environmental and forestry programs, was the perfect platform for him to channel his passion into action. Starting as a Deputy Secretary, he quickly gained a reputation for his meticulous approach, innovative ideas, and ability to navigate the complex bureaucracy of environmental governance.
Rising to Under Secretary: A Role of Impact
By 2020, Chandravanshi’s dedication and expertise earned him the position of Under Secretary in the Forest and Climate Change Department, a role that placed him at the forefront of India’s environmental policy-making. His work now involves coordinating with state governments, international organizations, and local communities to implement sustainable forestry programs, combat climate change, and protect India’s biodiversity. Under his leadership, the department has spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives that have garnered national and international attention.
One of Chandravanshi’s most notable achievements is his contribution to the Green Credit Programme, a flagship initiative of the MoEFCC aimed at incentivizing afforestation and sustainable land management. He played a key role in designing the framework, ensuring that it benefits both the environment and the communities dependent on forest resources. His ability to balance ecological goals with socio-economic realities has made the program a model for other developing nations.
Another feather in his cap is his work on the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) policy. Chandravanshi advocated for expanding the scope of REDD+ to include conservation activities, a move that aligned with India’s unique forest cover dynamics. His strategic negotiations at international climate forums have positioned India as a leader in global climate governance, earning him praise from environmentalists and policymakers alike.
A Dynamic Leader with a Human Touch
What sets Chandravanshi apart is not just his professional acumen but also his deep empathy for the people he serves. He has made it a point to visit remote forest communities, listening to their concerns and incorporating their traditional knowledge into policy frameworks. During a field visit to the Sundarbans in 2022, he spent days with local fishermen, understanding the impact of rising sea levels on their livelihoods. This experience led to the development of a community-driven mangrove restoration project, which has since become a lifeline for the region’s ecosystem and its people.
Chandravanshi is also a firm believer in the power of technology to address environmental challenges. He has championed the use of GIS mapping and satellite imagery to monitor deforestation, enabling the department to take swift action against illegal activities. His efforts to digitize forest records have streamlined processes, making the department more efficient and transparent.
Challenges and Resilience
The path to success has not been without its hurdles. Chandravanshi has faced resistance from powerful lobbies pushing for industrial expansion at the cost of forests. He has also navigated the complexities of India’s federal structure, where state and central government priorities often clash. Yet, his diplomatic skills and unwavering commitment to his principles have helped him overcome these challenges. In 2023, when a controversial mining project threatened a tiger reserve in Central India, Chandravanshi led a high-level committee to assess its impact. His detailed report, backed by scientific data, convinced the government to halt the project, saving a critical habitat from destruction.
A Legacy in the Making
As of April 2025, D. R. Chandravanshi continues to shape India’s environmental future with the same passion that drove him as a young boy in Madhya Pradesh. His vision extends beyond immediate policy wins—he dreams of a future where India’s forests thrive, its wildlife is protected, and its people live in harmony with nature. Colleagues describe him as a dynamic leader who leads by example, inspiring a new generation of environmentalists to take up the mantle of conservation.
Outside of work, Chandravanshi is a devoted family man and an avid reader. He often spends his weekends hiking in the Western Ghats, a ritual that keeps him connected to the natural world he fights for. His favorite quote, by Mahatma Gandhi—“The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed”—is a guiding principle that reflects in every decision he makes.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Chandravanshi aims to strengthen India’s role in global climate initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Green Climate Fund. He is also working on a national strategy to combat desertification, a growing threat to India’s arable land. With his track record, there’s no doubt that he will continue to leave an indelible mark on India’s environmental landscape.
Mr. D. R. Chandravanshi’s journey from a village boy to a key figure in India’s Forest and Climate Change Department is nothing short of inspiring. His story reminds us that with passion, perseverance, and a deep love for nature, one person can indeed make a difference in the fight to save our planet.