{{short description|Indian Administrative Service, Indian Official}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox person | honorific_suffix = [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] | name = Supriya Sahu | image = | image_size = | caption = | native_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1968|7|27}}<ref>{{cite web |date=1 January 2022 |title=Indian Administrative Service: 2022 Civil List |url=https://easy.nic.in/CL-eBook2022/ |access-date=1 April 2023 |website=[[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India]]}}</ref> | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | other_names = | alma_mater = [[University of Lucknow]] | occupation = [[Indian Administrative Service]] | spouse = N. Muruganandam IAS | organization = Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, Government of Tamil Nadu<ref>{{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu IAS officers reshuffle: Supriya Sahu returns as Environment Secretary; new Collectors for Coimbatore, Theni |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ias-officers-reshuffle-supriya-sahu-returns-as-environment-secretary-new-collectors-for-coimbatore-theni/article69198990.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 February 2025 |language=en-IN |date=9 February 2025}}</ref> | title = '''Current:''' Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department, Tamil Nadu
'''Previous:''' Addl. Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Tamil Nadu
Chief Executive Officer, [[IndcoSERVE]]
Director-General, [[Doordarshan]]
Co-Vice President, [[Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union]]
Joint Secretary, [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information & Broadcasting]] }}
'''Supriya Sahu''', born on 27 July 1968, is an Indian bureaucrat<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-09 |title=41 IAS officers empanelled as secretary, 32 IAS officers as addl secretary; read the full list here |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/ias-news-ias-officer-transfer-posting-news-41-ias-officers-empanelled-as-secretary-32-ias-officers-as-addl-secretary-read-the-full-list-here/1731183/ |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref> belonging to the 1991 batch of the [[Indian Administrative Service]]. She is also a recipient of UNEP's 2025 [[Champions of the Earth|Champions of the Earth Award]],<ref>{{cite web |title=UNEP's 2025 Champions of the Earth award recognizes five climate trailblazers |url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/uneps-2025-champions-earth-award-recognizes-five-climate |website=www.unep.org |language=en |date=10 December 2025}}</ref> the highest environmental honour of the United Nations. Presently, she holds the position of Additional Chief Secretary to the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] and currently heads the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tamil Nadu IAS officers reshuffle: Supriya Sahu returns as Environment Secretary; new Collectors for Coimbatore, Theni |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ias-officers-reshuffle-supriya-sahu-returns-as-environment-secretary-new-collectors-for-coimbatore-theni/article69198990.ece |work=The Hindu |date=9 February 2025 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
She was earlier the Additional Chief Secretary for the Department of Health and Family Welfare.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-09 |title=Tamil Nadu IAS officers reshuffle: Supriya Sahu returns as Environment Secretary; new Collectors for Coimbatore, Theni |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ias-officers-reshuffle-supriya-sahu-returns-as-environment-secretary-new-collectors-for-coimbatore-theni/article69198990.ece |access-date=2025-07-23 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Previously, she also assumed additional responsibilities as Principal Secretary-cum-Managing Director of The Tamil Nadu Small Tea Growers' Industrial Cooperative Tea Factories' Federation Limited (INDCOSERVE), Coonoor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Government transfers Host of IAS officers |url=http://bwsmartcities.businessworld.in/article/Tamil-Nadu-Government-transfers-Host-of-IAS-officers/10-10-2019-177357 |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=BW SC |language=en}}</ref> Before that, Sahu served as the Director-General of Doordarshan<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahluwalia |first=Harveen |date=2016-06-15 |title=Supriya Sahu to take over as Doordarshan director general |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/o8CSnrKRmIBJ82Zkg3SjYM/Supriya-Sahu-to-take-over-as-Doordarshan-director-general.html |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> from July 2016 to September 2017. Additionally, she was elected as the Co-Vice President of the Asian Broadcasting Union during the 55th General Assembly of ABU.<ref>{{Cite web |last=riasia_admin |date=2018-10-06 |title=NHK President Ryoichi Ueda is the new ABU President |url=https://radioinfo.asia/news/nhk-president-ryoichi-ueda-new-abu-president/ |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=RadioInfo Asia |language=en-US}}</ref>
Supriya Sahu is married to N. Muruganandham IAS who is currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, India.<ref>{{Cite web | title=N. Muruganandam is Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/n-muruganandam-is-tn-govts-chief-secretary/article68541743.ece|access-date=2026-01-04|website=The Hindu|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Career == In the earlier phase of her career, she held the position of Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1991-batch IAS officers are now Joint Secretari |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2010/dec/27/1991-batch-ias-officers-are-now-joint-secretari-214366.html |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}</ref> Prior to her transfer to the central government, she worked as an Additional Collector in the [[Vellore district]] and served as the managing director of the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India |url=https://www.ibfindia.com/ministry-information-broadcasting-government-india |access-date=25 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020055015/https://www.ibfindia.com/ministry-information-broadcasting-government-india |archive-date=Oct 20, 2013 |language=en |quote=Supriya Sahu has been elevated to Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from her earlier position of Director Broadcasting in the same Ministry. |url-status=unfit}}</ref>
On October 25, 2016, she was elected and appointed vice-president of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India Television |date=28 October 2016 |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/people/dd-d-g-sahu-elected-asia-pacific-broadcasting-vice-president-161028 }}</ref> She assumed the role of Acting President of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), which she handed over to the new president in October 2018. She was the first female vice-president of the ABU.
In February 2016, she was chosen by Prasar Bharati, the public service broadcaster of India, to serve as the Director General of the state broadcaster, Doordarshan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-02-24 |title=Prasar Bharati board picks Doordarshan, AIR heads |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/prasar-bharati-board-picks-doordarshan-air-heads/articleshow/51127219.cms |access-date=2023-07-03 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Subsequently, the broadcaster recommended her name to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) for approval. Sahu had previously held the position of director at the I&B ministry and was later promoted to the post of Joint Secretary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahluwalia |first=Harveen |date=2016-06-15 |title=Supriya Sahu to take over as Doordarshan director general |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/o8CSnrKRmIBJ82Zkg3SjYM/Supriya-Sahu-to-take-over-as-Doordarshan-director-general.html |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>
=== Environment and Climate Change === She currently holds the position of Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests. After the prohibition on plastic bag usage in Tamil Nadu, Ms Sahu initiated a campaign called "Meendum [[Manjapai]]" to encourage people to adopt the use of cloth bags.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja |first=Vidya |title=Exclusive: IAS Officer Revives Tamil Nadu's Eco-Friendly 'Manjapai' Bags |url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/270216/meendum-manjapai-tamil-nadu-ias-supriya-sahu-revives-eco-friendly-cloth-bag/ |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=www.thebetterindia.com |date=24 December 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> These bags aim to motivate individuals to bid farewell to single-use plastics. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin, inaugurated the campaign. To bring about grassroots-level changes in combating climate change, Tamil Nadu is transforming 10 villages into climate-smart villages. This initiative aims to promote the utilization of solar energy, as well as methods for treating and reusing wastewater, among other initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baraasu |first=Rudhran |date=2022-11-18 |title=10 villages near tourist hubs in TN to be made climate smart |url=https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2022/11/18/10-villages-near-tourist-hubs-in-tn-to-be-made-climate-smart |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=www.dtnext.in |language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, Tamil Nadu has introduced a 10-month mentorship program for women to enhance their understanding of climate change and enable them to work on initiatives that mitigate its impact in their respective areas of influence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-29 |title=Twenty young women from Chennai handpicked for climate change initiatives |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/twenty-young-women-from-chennai-handpicked-for-climate-change-initiatives/article66071108.ece |access-date=2023-07-03 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> She has been instrumental in advancing one of India's most ambitious ecological restoration and climate resilience programmes. Under her leadership, the state notified over 7,000 hectares as new Reserve Forests,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dehradun |first=Adxventure India |title=Welcome {{!}} Forest Survey of India |url=https://www.fsi.nic.in/forest-report-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708185047/https://www.fsi.nic.in/forest-report-2023 |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=fsi.nic.in |language=en}}</ref> secured 19 additional Ramsar sites (taking the total from one to 20), and established seven new wildlife sanctuaries, including India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-21 |title=India gets its first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/india-gets-its-first-dugong-conservation-reserve-in-tamil-nadu/article65918239.ece |access-date=2025-07-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and Slender Loris Sanctuary.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-12 |title=Tamil Nadu notifies India's first slender loris sanctuary |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-government-notifies-indias-first-slender-loris-sanctuary-at-kadavur/article66000494.ece |access-date=2025-07-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> She is spearheading Tamil Nadu's Green Missions—including the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Climate Change Mission, Wetlands Mission, and the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission—coordinated through the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company, India's first not-for-profit state climate vehicle. These efforts have led to the plantation of over 108 million trees, restoration of 3,610 hectares of mangroves,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-05 |title=TN doubles mangrove cover, Chennai adds just 18 hectares in three years |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-doubles-mangrove-cover-chennai-adds-just-18-hectares-in-three-years/articleshow/120908773.cms |access-date=2025-07-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and expansion of forest and tree cover by nearly 1,000 km<sup>2</sup> between 2021 and 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-11 |title=State govt. to implement Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission at a cost of ₹1,675 crore over five years |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/state-govt-to-implement-tamil-nadu-coastal-restoration-mission-at-a-cost-of-1675-crore-over-five-years/article67731052.ece |access-date=2025-07-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
Sahu has placed special emphasis on community-based conservation, including the formation of Village Mangrove Councils<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-05 |title=TN doubles mangrove cover, Chennai adds just 18 hectares in three years |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-doubles-mangrove-cover-chennai-adds-just-18-hectares-in-three-years/articleshow/120908773.cms |access-date=2025-07-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and the employment of over 200 tribal youth as eco-tourism guides under the Trek TN initiative.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-25 |title=Forest Department to release trekking atlas identifying 40 trek routes in State |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/forest-department-to-release-trekking-atlas-identifying-40-trek-routes-in-state/article68332588.ece |access-date=2025-07-15 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> She has also championed the restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems and coral reefs, notably in Ennore<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nadu: Mangrove restoration work in oil spill areas in Ennore Creek started |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tamil-nadu-mangrove-restoration-work-in-oil-spill-areas-in-ennore-creek-started20231223111247/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223054643/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tamil-nadu-mangrove-restoration-work-in-oil-spill-areas-in-ennore-creek-started20231223111247/ |archive-date=2023-12-23 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> and the Gulf of Mannar, and established a ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund to protect lesser-known species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Slender Loris.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaitanya |first=SV Krishna |date=2024-02-19 |title=In a first, Tamil Nadu creates fund to recover 'endangered' plant, animal species |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Feb/19/in-a-first-tamil-nadu-to-recover-lesser-known-endangered-species |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Her efforts have brought Tamil Nadu international recognition, including a feature in Channel News Asia's documentary series ''Future Proofers''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Future Proofers |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/the-future-proofers |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=CNA |language=en}}</ref>
==== Pallikaranai Ramsar Issue ==== In October 2025, Arrapor Iyakkam, an NGO based out of Chennai, reported that clearance has been given for construction of a high rise by Brigade Constructions in Ramsar marsh lands near Perumbakkam, Chennai by the Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, headed by Sahu.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2025-10-24|title=2,000 cr housing scam alleged inside Pallikaranai Ramsar site|language=en-IN|work=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/2000-cr-housing-scam-alleged-inside-pallikaranai-ramsar-site/articleshow/124769757.cms}}</ref> The NGO accused that clearance has been given inside the ecologically sensitive area and also submitted a 213-page annexure of evidence. After this report, the [[Madras High Court]] passed an order to halt the construction stating that the construction violated wetland protection laws.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2025-10-31|title=Madras HC halts luxury housing project near Pallikaranai Ramsar wetland|language=en-IN|work=The Federal|url=https://thefederal.com/category/states/south/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-halts-housing-project-pallikaranai-ramsar-wetland-214073}}</ref> Later, the Government of Tamil Nadu issued a clarification that approvals have been given on private patta lands and that no permission has been granted within the protected area.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bureau |first1=The Hindu |title=T.N. government denies allegations that building project within Pallikaranai marshland was given nod illegally |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tn-government-denies-allegations-that-building-project-within-pallikaranai-marshland-was-given-nod-illegally/article70212044.ece |work=The Hindu |date=28 October 2025 |language=en-IN}}</ref> The state government also clarified that the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, an autonomous body under the Government of India, is in the process of creating an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the site and delineating boundaries, which will permit or regulate activities on the site.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cms.tn.gov.in/cms_migrated/document/press_release/pr281025_e_2569.pdf}}</ref> Arappor Iyakkam, the original complainant then questioned the government and it's authorities why permissions were granted for a private construction company to operate in marsh land sites that are not yet allocated for private use and it was illegal to do so.<ref>{{ cite news|title= Arappor Iyakkam alleges illegal plan approval for building on Pallikaranai marshland |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/arappor-iyakkam-alleges-illegal-plan-approval-for-building-on-pallikaranai-marshland/article70193757.ece}}</ref> In February 2026, the High Court dismissed the PILs filed by AIADMK Legal Wing and Arappor Iyakkam citing "that the process of demarcating the Ramsar boundaries for the Pallikaranai marsh was yet to be completed." It was also clarified that only after the completion of the entire exercise would it be known whether the lands on which the high-rise towers had been planned would fall within the prohibited zone or outside it. The High Court Bench also noted that the Supreme Court had taken up the issue of fixing the boundaries of Ramsar sites and had called upon all State governments to submit the steps taken by them.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bureau |first1=The Hindu |title=Pallikaranai Ramsar site land dispute: Madras High Court dismisses two PILs |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pallikaranai-ramsar-site-land-dispute-madras-high-court-dismisses-two-pils/article70616034.ece/amp/ |work=The Hindu |date=10 February 2026 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
=== The INDCOSERVE === As managing director, INDCOSERVE, Sahu led the transformation of cooperative through initiatives to enhance the income of tea growers<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-08-25|title=Tea growers seek hike in green leaves price|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/tea-growers-seek-hike-in-green-leaves-price/article32440812.ece|access-date=2021-01-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and increasing tea cooperatives' brand recognition.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-18|title=30,000 small tea growers to benefit from Indcoserve's brand building exercise|url=https://www.newswrapindia.com/30000-small-tea-growers-to-benefit-from-indcoserves-brand-building-exercise/.html|access-date=2021-01-30|website=NewswrapIndia|language=en-US}}</ref> Nearly 30,000 small tea growers are likely to benefit from the initiative. Cooperative also started the practice of fixing in advance the green tea leaf prices grown by the small tea growers. Tea farmers received an all-time high price for green leaves in August 2020.
For marketing of the tea produced by the farmers' cooperative, Sahu started a unique initiative called 'Tea Vandis' where the produce is marketed by tribes of The Nilgiris district.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Shantha Thyagarajan|date=Dec 1, 2020|title=Indcoserve launches 'Tea Vandis' to market teas by tribals |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/indcoserve-launches-tea-vandis-to-market-teas-by-tribals/articleshow/79514587.cms|access-date=2021-01-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Under this initiative, INDCOSERVE provides a [[food truck]] to [[Toda people|Toda]] tribal communities. Currently, four 'Vandis' are operational at different vantage points in [[Ooty]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-01|title=Indcoserve launches 'Tea Vandis' to market teas by tribals |url=https://thegreaterindia.in/state/indcoserve-launches-tea-vandis-to-market-teas-by-tribals-coimbatore-news/|access-date=2021-01-30|website=24/7 News - The Greater India Network|language=en-US}}</ref> district. Sahu inaugurated 'INDCO Tea House' to popularise and market variety of tea manufactured by farmers' cooperative.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-21|title=INDCO Tea House inaugurated in Coonoor|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/indco-tea-house-inaugurated-in-coonoor/article33388322.ece|access-date=2021-01-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The cooperative launched six new tea manufacturers - Nilgiris Kahwa Tea, Honey Hill Tea, Marlimund Tea, Bedford Tea, Mountain Rose Gold Tea and Ooty Gold Tea.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-26|title=Indcoserve launches six new tea manufacturers |url=https://thegreaterindia.in/state/indcoserve-launches-six-new-tea-brands-coimbatore-news/|access-date=2021-01-30|website=24/7 News - The Greater India Network|language=en-US}}</ref> Earlier, INDCOSERVE advertised only mud-grade tea or Ooty Tea. These products will also be sold through e-commerce platforms [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] and [[Flipkart]].
The cooperative also launched a drive to rope in small tea farmers to adopt organic farming by launching 'Scope Certification', at the Kinnakorai Industrial Cooperative.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=Jan 22, 2021|title=Drive to rope in small tea growers to practise organic farming launched in Nilgiris|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/drive-to-rope-in-small-tea-growers-to-practise-organic-farming-launched-in-nilgiris/articleshow/80393955.cms|access-date=2021-01-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> After continuously practicing organic farming for three years, farmers will be awarded 'organic certificate' for their tea produce. It has been widely reported that several factories of INDCOSERVE turned profit in last two years since Ms Sahu joined the organisation.<ref>{{cite news |title=How a female leader changed Nilgiris tea |url=https://lifestyle.livemint.com/food/drink/how-a-female-leader-changed-nilgiris-tea-111617936607126.html |work=Mintlounge |date=2021-04-09 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Anantharaman |first1=Aravinda |title=Supriya Sahu |url=https://tea-biz.com/2021/04/09/qa-supriya-sahu/ |website=Tea Biz |date=2021-04-09}}</ref>
=== Doordarshan ===
==== Revenue ==== During Sahu's tenure as Director-General of Doordarshan, the public broadcaster's revenues increased<ref>{{cite news |title=Doordarshan's revenue rises to Rs827.51 crore in FY17 |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/3C9fKqrCNh9zNTGXXqoj0L/Doordarshans-revenue-rises-to-Rs82751-crore-in-FY17.html |access-date=12 July 2018 |agency=The Mint}}</ref> to Rs 827.51 crores during the financial year 2016–17. It surpassed its annual target of Rs 800 crore and posted a growth of Rs 318.06 crore compared to the previous financial year. To increase its revenue, Doordarshan started adopting new strategies including the auction of slots on [[DD Free Dish|DD Freedish]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/dd-earns-rs-85-crore-from-auction-of-11-slots-on-its-dth-platform/articleshow/59448757.cms|title=DD earns Rs 85 crore from auction of 11 slots on its DTH platform|date=5 July 2017|work=The Economic Times|access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> and planned to auction its prime time slots.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/Qo6oRVCESq8X5vwBlsHU3N/Prasar-Bharati-looks-to-rake-in-Rs100-crore-from-Doordarshan.html|title=Prasar Bharati looks to rake in Rs100 crore from DD's prime time slot auction|last=Ahluwalia|first=Harveen|date=29 March 2017|work=www.livemint.com|access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> In 2018, Doordarshan also recorded its top viewership on Republic Day i.e. 38 million viewers on a single day. In April 2019, she announced that Doordarshan had recorded its highest revenue in the last five years, was no longer a loss-making organisation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/at-rs-9438-crore-doordarshan-records-highest-revenue-in-5-years-95997.html|title=At Rs 943.8 crore, Doordarshan records highest revenue in 5 years - Exchange4media|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media|date=11 April 2019 |language=en|access-date=29 April 2019}}</ref> In 2014–15, [[Doordarshan]] reported a net collection of Rs 884.2 crore, whereas in 2018–19, it hasgone up to Rs 943.8 crore.
==== Programming ==== [[File:DD Revenue Graph.jpg|thumb|alt=]] Besides, Doordarshan has started various new programming initiatives under her leadership. It includes Doordarshan launching two new science channels i.e. DD Science and India Science.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/2-science-channels-coming-up-in-india-to-make-science-more-popular-1431935-2019-01-16|title=2 science channels coming up in India to make science more popular|date=January 16, 2019 |website=India Today|language=en|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> These channels aim to boost scientific temperament among the people. Two channels will have science-based documentaries, studio-based discussions, virtual walkthroughs of scientific institutions, interviews and short films and will be free to access. In December 2018, Supriya Sahu launched DD Roshni,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/specialised-and-niche/doordarshan-launches-new-educational-channel-dd-roshini-181206|title=Doordarshan launches new educational channel DD Roshini|date=6 December 2018|website=Indian Television Dot Com|language=en|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> an educational channel as part of its partnership with ''[[Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike]]'' and Microsoft. DD has launched ''<nowiki />'Mahila Kisan Awards'<nowiki />'', a reality show<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.televisionpost.com/dd-kisan-launches-reality-show-mahila-kisan-awards/|title=DD Kisan launches reality show 'Mahila Kisan Awards'|date=15 December 2018|website=TelevisionPost|language=en-US|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> that tells the stories of unsung women heroes of Indian agriculture.
Doordarshan also launched Kashmiri version of [[Kaun Banega Crorepati]], which will be broadcast on [[DD Kashir]] with vernacular name ''[[Kus Bani Koshur Karorpaet]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/local-kbc-version-a-boost-for-dd-kashir/article26996731.ece|title=Local KBC version, a boost for DD Kashir[Or] DD Kashir strikes it rich with local KBC version|last=Ashiqsrinagar|first=Peerzada|date=1 May 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 May 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The show will be produced by Studio Next of [[Sony Pictures]] who hold the licence to produce the KBC format in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/more/letters/why-worry/|title=Why worry|date=13 March 2015|website=Greater Kashmir|language=en-US|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref>
==== New technology ==== Under Sahu's leadership, Doordarshan started digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) and is planning to expand the services to 16 cities by 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/nmErsKeZhxl2jhXbalgYDI/Doordarshan-to-expand-DTT-services-in-partnership-with-priva.html|title=Doordarshan to expand DTT services in partnership with private broadcasters|last=Ahluwalia|first=Harveen|date=29 December 2016|work=www.livemint.com|access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> There were reports in January 2018 that Doordarshan was planning to develop its own Over-the-Top (OTT) content platform to reach out to audiences across the globe.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/doordarshan-plans-to-have-its-own-ott-platform-119011800787_1.html|title=Doordarshan plans to have its own OTT platform|date=18 January 2019|work=Business Standard India|access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> Doordarshan was said to be in talks with other content platforms to put their content out in public.
=== Community Radio === She has also been credited for giving a shape and direction to India's [[Community Radio]] movement. It was under her leadership that Community Radio was included in the 12th Five Year Plan<ref>{{cite news|title=Frequencies that touch lives|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/frequencies-that-touch-lives/article3709564.ece|access-date=13 June 2016|work=The Hindu|date=1 August 2012|language=en-IN}}</ref> of India. During her period, the Ministry of I&B, opened the doors and increased engagement with the Community Radio sector. Her initiatives include annual National Community Radio Sammelan - the annual conclave of stations, and an annual publication on the work of Community Radio stations - Community Radio Compendium. Second National Community Radio Sammelan also saw the use of social media by the government,<ref>{{cite news|title=I & B Ministry event live on Twitter, Facebook|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/i-b-ministry-event-live-on-twitter-facebook/story-AzFLnyz0KaeunCg1uL5L0K.html|work=www.hindustantimes.com |date=18 February 2012|language=en}}</ref> when the ministry of I&B live-tweeted the event on Twitter.
=== HIV/ AIDS and Tuberculosis === [[File:Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu during a field visit.jpg|thumb|Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu during a field visit]] She has also spearheaded Tamil Nadu's HIV and tuberculosis programmes. As Project Director, Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society, she initiated the integrated TB and HIV testing programme in the state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian State Launches HIV/TB Testing Program|url=https://khn.org/morning-breakout/dr00052325/|work=Kaiser Health News|date=23 May 2008}}</ref> During her tenure, the state started providing a comprehensive package of HIV/AIDS services to private maternity hospitals in the state in an effort to match services provided at government-run maternity hospitals. It included counseling, treatment, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and managing HIV/TB coinfection. In 2006, she launched a joint initiative for orphaned and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS.<ref>{{cite news|title=Joint initiative to tackle HIV/AIDS|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/joint-initiative-to-tackle-hivaids/article3205922.ece|work=The Hindu|date=13 December 2006|language=en-IN}}</ref> In 2008, during her tenure as PD of TANSACS, she took the lead in enabling sensitisation of the police department across cadres and districts of Tamil Nadu on issues of groups marginalised on account of their sexuality and gender identity. This successful programme was carried out with the involvement of community members involved in the HIV/AIDS targeted intervention programme working with men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG).<ref>{{cite news|title=Police Sensitization on Gender/Sexual Minority issues|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Programme-to-sensitise-police-to-issues-of-marginalised-groups/article15175762.ece|work=The Hindu|date=29 February 2008|language=en-IN}}</ref>
=== Operation Blue Mountain Campaign === She is known for her pioneering work in protecting the environment in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. She led a campaign known as 'Operation Blue Mountain',<ref>{{cite news|title=Operation Blue Mountain|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/05/19/stories/2002051900370400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020831024707/http://thehindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/05/19/stories/2002051900370400.htm|archive-date=31 August 2002|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2002-05-19|access-date=4 May 2016}}</ref> to ban the use of plastic in the district. She has been hailed<ref>{{cite web|title=Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India |url=http://ibfindia.com/ministry-information-broadcasting-government-india|website=ibfindia.com|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> as a hands-on collector for Operation Blue Mountain in the Nilgiris to cleanse the environment of the plastic menace. The campaign was crucial to unclog the river sources and springs in the popular [[hill station]] of [[Nilgiris]]. Her experiment with [[Nilgiris]] has been documented by erstwhile [[Planning Commission (India)|Planning Commission]] and [[UNDP]] as a [[best practice]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Successful Governance Initiatives and Best Practices: Experiences from Indian States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eGk-VXiW5jkC&dq=%22Supriya+Sahu%22&pg=PA137|publisher=Academic Foundation|access-date=13 June 2016|language=en|date=1 January 2003| isbn=978-81-7188-306-6 }}</ref> on governance from Indian states. As Collector of Nilgiris district, Sahu led a campaign to mark 'International Year of the Mountains, 2002".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ritzmagazine.in/doordarshans-new-jackpot-supriya-sahuby-sanjay-pinto/|title=Doordarshan's New Jackpot!: Supriya Sahu |first=Sanjay |last=Pinto |date=11 November 2016|work=Ritz Magazine|access-date=28 October 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> This included the creation of a world record by planting trees in one or several of the degraded ''shola'' forests. On 24 June 2003, people of Nilgiris under the leadership of Supriya Sahu planted 42,182 trees<ref>{{cite news|title=A green record|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mag/2003/07/27/stories/2003072700420500.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2003-07-27|access-date=13 June 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> — breaking the existing [[Guinness World Record]] by a large margin.
==See also== * [[Doordarshan]] * [[The Nilgiris District]] * [[Community Radio]] * [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)]]
==References== {{reflist}} {{Commons category}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sahu, Supriya}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Indian Administrative Service officers]] [[Category:University of Lucknow alumni]] [[Category:Indian government officials]] [[Category:Doordarshan]] [[Category:State media]] [[Category:1968 births]]