Yamuna clean-up in focus: Who is Rajeev Verma, Delhi's new chief secretary?

Senior IAS officer Rajeev Verma has been named Delhi’s next chief secretary, according to reports. The 1992-batch officer from the AGMUT cadre received formal approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

He will succeed Dharmendra, who retires on September 30. Verma, currently serving as the chief secretary of Chandigarh, is scheduled to assume his new responsibilities from October 1.

The new chief secretary is a familiar figure in the capital’s administration. As NDTV highlighted, his extensive background includes key posts in Delhi from 2018 to 2022, where he acted as principal secretary and commissioner of finance.

Prior to that, he served as principal commissioner of housing and urban affairs at the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). His career also includes a significant stint at the Centre as joint secretary of defence from 2013 to 2017.

Officials noted that Verma’s deep familiarity with Delhi’s governance structures positions him as a seasoned choice for the role. Senior officials believe his extensive experience in the capital will be a major asset.

Verma’s most immediate and closely watched challenge will be the cleaning and rejuvenation of the Yamuna river. A senior official cited by NDTV said that this task is a high priority for the BJP government at both central and state levels.

"Coordination among various agencies and strict enforcement of pollution control norms will be crucial, especially as winter is approaching," the official stated. The approaching cold season typically worsens air and water quality in the region.

Beyond the Yamuna, the new chief secretary will need to tackle Delhi’s persistent urban issues. Improving public transport, waste disposal systems and water supply are all critical areas that affect residents' quality of life.

Sustainable urban development and managing the city’s rapid growth will also test his leadership. His background in finance, housing and urban planning will be directly relevant to these tasks.

Verma takes charge in a uniquely aligned political environment. With the BJP in power at the Centre, the state and the Municipal Corporation, the chief secretary’s role is expected to be less politically fraught.

An official cited by TOI said that that previous chief secretaries often found themselves entangled in frequent clashes between the lieutenant governor, the chief minister and the Centre. "Now, with political alignment across all levels of govt, the chief secretary can focus more on governance, without getting entangled in politics," he said.

This political harmony, however, comes with heightened expectations for tangible results on key projects.

Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Rajeev Verma brings a strong technical academic foundation to the role. He graduated in computer science from Roorkee and holds an MTech from IIT, as per reports.

His career has blended technical expertise with high-level administrative and policy-making experience. This background will be vital as he confronts Delhi’s complex infrastructure and environmental challenges.