Veteran IAS Officer I.S. Chandel Passes Away at 85, Leaves Rich Legacy in Revenue Administration

Retired IAS officer I.S. Chandel, widely respected for his expertise in land and revenue administration, passed away at Sanjouli after a period of illness. He was 85.

Chandel leaves behind a distinguished legacy in public administration. Drawing on decades of experience, he authored 14 books on revenue and administrative matters, including the Himachal Pradesh Revenue Manual.

Senior counsel of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Sohan Singh Rathore expressed grief over his demise, describing Chandel as an authority on land and revenue matters whose advice was valued by senior bureaucrats and political leaders alike.

“With the passing away of I.S. Chandel, I have lost a great friend, while Himachal Pradesh has lost an experienced and knowledgeable officer whose advice on land and revenue matters was valued across the administrative and political spectrum,” Rathore said.

Recalling his long association with Chandel, Rathore said his deep understanding of land laws, revenue administration and complex legal matters had earned him widespread respect. His practical knowledge made him a trusted source of guidance even after his retirement.

Chandel’s contribution, Rathore said, went far beyond his official responsibilities. He remained willing to share his experience and offer guidance on complicated land and revenue issues.

Describing his death as a personal loss, Rathore extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace for the departed soul.

He said Chandel’s contribution to Himachal Pradesh’s administration and his expertise in land and revenue matters would be remembered for years to come.

What I changed: Removed stray promotional text, cut repetition, improved sentence flow and gave the report a warmer obituary-style tone while preserving the original facts and tribute.