Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha
Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha
Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha

Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha 

The report examines strategies to build disaster resilient power infrastructure in Odisha, a cyclone-prone state. Cyclone Fani (2019) caused over $1.2 billion in power sector damages, highlighting vulnerabilities in transmission and distribution systems. The study emphasizes preparedness, recovery, and community resilience through exposure mapping, hazard prioritization, and stakeholder surveys.  

Key recommendations include technology integration (GIS mapping, drones, outage management systems), robust SOPs, resource mobilization, and financial mechanisms like liquidity funds, parametric insurance, and CAT bonds. It advocates policy adaptation, improved governance, and capacity building via joint drills and competency mapping. Long-term measures involve infrastructure upgrades such as GIS substations, reinforced poles, and mobile substations.  

The roadmap outlines near-, medium-, and long-term actions to enhance resilience, minimize downtime, and ensure sustainable power supply during extreme climatic events. 

Puntos clave

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.