Chetan Chounde is a Program Manager, Urban Development with the Sustainable Cities and Transport team at WRI India. He works on strategies for mainstreaming blue-green infrastructure planning, nature-based solutions, urban governance, and climate adaptation in Indian cities. His work involves engaging with government agencies to design resilient pathways that address pressing urban and climate challenges.

Prior to joining WRI India, Chetan worked at multiple capacities in the development sector. At TVS Motor Company, he led the CSR strategy focusing on socio economic development of rural communities, impact assessment, and partnerships with government and civil society organizations. At Solapur Municipal Corporation under the Smart Cities Mission, he supported in shaping implementation strategies for public infrastructure, decentralized waste management, and urban mobility aligned with city vision plans. As a CM Fellow at Chief Minister’s office, Government of Maharashtra, he contributed to key development policies and flagship state initiatives such as Jalyukt Shivar, Smart Cities, Skill Development, and e-Governance reforms.  

Chetan holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy, Planning, and Practice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), where he was an Institute Gold Medalist. He did his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Solapur University.

Outside work, Chetan enjoys movies, cricket, and has led national-level policy symposiums. He is also actively involved in community initiatives and outdoor activities.