Disaster Resilience through Innovative Fog Monitoring & Forecasting in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: Disaster Resilience through Innovative Fog Monitoring & Forecasting in India

This project tackles fog-related transportation and economic disruptions in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, where limited visibility sensors hinder forecasting.

It introduces a two-part solution: (i) low-cost fog detection using outdoor images, reducing reliance on expensive sensors, and (ii) improved forecasting by integrating satellite data, Graphcast models, in-situ observations, and publicly sourced images.

This approach enhances prediction accuracy, offering a scalable, data-driven methodology to mitigate fog-related risks and support safer mobility.

Economic loss from
flight disruptions due
to winter fog
$ 0 mn
India’s annual morning
poor visibility days
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

The project develops a dynamic fog dataset using publicly shared internet images, offering a cost-effective, scalable alternative to expensive visibility sensors. This approach enhances fog monitoring across vulnerable regions, improving forecasting accuracy with minimal infrastructure requirements. 

2

By combining Graphcast weather models, satellite imagery, and crowd-sourced outdoor visuals, this project enhances fog forecasting accuracy. It strengthens early warning systems, enabling timely, data-driven decisions that improve safety and reduce fog-related disruptions for vulnerable communities. 

3

Enhanced fog monitoring and forecasting support aviation, logistics, and agriculture in proactive planning. By reducing disruptions, lowering operational costs, and reducing economic losses from fog-related hazards, this approach strengthens resilience and improves decision-making in affected sectors. 

Resources

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.