Krishnan Komandur is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in sustainability, urban waste management, and social innovation. As CEO of the Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative (APCCI), a pioneering urban transformation project supported by the Serum Institute of India, he has spearheaded initiatives that have redefined cleanliness and public health standards in Indian cities, especially Pune and Mumbai.
Mr. Komandur’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to scalable, technology-driven, and community-focused solutions. Under his guidance, APCCI has deployed an array of cutting-edge interventions—from battery-operated litter-picking machines and vacuum-assisted sweepers to pothole repair systems and clean water solutions like Water ATMs. These technologies are complemented by smart digital tools, including a citizen-centric mobile app that promotes transparency, tracks progress, and encourages public participation.
Overseeing a team of more than 600 sanitation professionals and a GPS-enabled fleet of over 300 vehicles, Krishnan ensures the seamless daily operations of APCCI’s services. His approach blends operational excellence with human dignity: systems are designed to eliminate direct contact with waste and uphold the rights and safety of sanitation workers, whom he respectfully refers to as “Waste Warriors.” Their discipline and adherence to rigorous standard operating procedures have been instrumental to the initiative's success.
Beyond operational leadership, Mr. Komandur is an architect of cross-sector collaboration. He has built impactful partnerships with civic agencies, corporates, NGOs, and academic institutions, reinforcing APCCI’s vision through sustained volunteerism and citizen engagement. Over the last decade, he has mobilized a robust volunteer network of over 50,000 individuals, including youth, RWAs, and educational institutions.
Krishnan’s earlier roles include Vice President positions at BVG India Ltd. and Kam-Avida Enviro Engineers Pvt. Ltd., where he led national initiatives in mechanized sanitation and waste strategy, playing a vital role in aligning corporate solutions with governmental sanitation objectives. He has actively participated in national sanitation forums and contributed to policy discussions focused on eradicating manual scavenging and promoting sustainable practices.
He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Osmania University and brings linguistic fluency in Tamil, English, Hindi, and Telugu, with working knowledge of Marathi—enhancing his ability to connect with diverse communities.
Krishnan Komandur’s journey exemplifies the integration of purpose, policy, and practice. Through innovation, empathy, and strategic foresight, he continues to shape resilient urban ecosystems and inspire collective responsibility for cleaner, more equitable cities.