Managing Landslides and Road Construction in Hilly Region of Nepal

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Managing Landslides and Road Construction in Hilly Region of Nepal

This study explores the causes and impacts of frequent landslides in rural Nepal, emphasizing the risks posed by poorly planned bulldozer-built roads.

While infrastructure supports connectivity and economic growth, rushed construction has intensified landslide hazards, damaging roads and ecosystems. These disruptions limit accessibility, reduce economic benefits, and threaten local communities.

The findings highlight the need for sustainable road planning to balance development goals with environmental and disaster risk considerations.

Nepal’s annual losses
from landslides
$ 0 mn
Landslides linked to
unplanned roads in
35 districts
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

The study found that roads built without durability considerations worsen landslide risks and damage infrastructure. It underscores the need for long-term stability in road planning, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Chure hills, to ensure safer development. 

2

The Chure hill region faces frequent landslides, requiring specialized solutions beyond traditional methods. Tailored strategies must consider its unique geological and environmental conditions to ensure sustainable development, infrastructure resilience, and community safety in this vulnerable landscape. 

3

Recognising community resilience and priorities is crucial for effective landslide management. This study examined key challenges and proposed practical, community-driven solutions to enhance infrastructure planning, ensuring safer development and long-term benefits for vulnerable regions. 

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.