Framework for Landslide-Prone Critical Infrastructure Zoning in Nepal

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Framework for Landslide-Prone Critical Infrastructure Zoning in Nepal

The project mapped over 100,000 landslides in Nepal, leveraging terrain data and 21 extreme rainfall indices to train a machine learning model.

By overlaying landslide susceptibility on a national critical infrastructure index, it identified high-risk zones, including key river corridors and transport routes.

This assessment enhances predictive accuracy, supporting targeted risk reduction, climate adaptation, and resilient infrastructure planning, ensuring safer communities and improved disaster preparedness across Nepal’s vulnerable regions.

Nepal’s rural roads
at high landslide risk
0 %+
Annual losses in Nepal
due to landslides
$ 0 mn

Impact and Key Findings

1

The project identifies high-risk zones, helping local governments develop landslide-resistant infrastructure policies. These targeted measures protect communities, enhance resilience, and ensure safer development in vulnerable mountainous and hilly regions prone to landslide hazards. 

2

The project shares research findings through an easy-to-use web GIS platform. This helps planners, policymakers, and communities see real-time landslide risks, making it easier to plan, reduce dangers, and build safer infrastructure in risky areas.

3

The framework supports national infrastructure financing and can be applied in other landslide-prone countries. By enhancing global resilience to climate hazards, it strengthens disaster preparedness, ensuring safer development and risk reduction in vulnerable regions worldwide. 

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.