Ms Leena Nandan is engaged with the Earth Science and Climate Change Division of TERI as Distinguished Fellow. At TERI, Ms Nandan plays a key role in strengthening and advancing initiatives focused on sustainable development strategies and climate action.
A retired officer of the Indian Administrative Service (1987 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre), Ms Nandan is an expert in administration and governance, with a particular focus on public policy in the areas of climate change, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Her distinguished career spans thirty-seven years, during which she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic vision in both state and central government roles.
Ms Nandan has served in various senior capacities within the Government of India. From May 2020, she served as Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, before assuming charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on January 1, 2022. During her tenure as Secretary until her superannuation in December 2024, she was instrumental in guiding national policy on forest conservation, climate resilience, and environmental management.
A student of English literature with a keen interest in writing, Ms Nandan holds a degree in English Honours from Patna Women’s College and has three books to her credit. She is also a management graduate, holding a Master’s Degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management, Manila.
Email: leena.nandan@teri.res.in