Seismic Risk Assessment for Hilly Region Infrastructure ​​in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Seismic risk assessment for hilly region infrastructure ​​in India

This project examines the factors contributing to the poor seismic performance of unreinforced masonry-infilled reinforced concrete buildings in hilly regions, emphasizing structural and non-structural irregularities caused by sloping terrain and functional openings.

Limited flat land forces construction on unstable slopes, heightening vulnerability.

High seismicity, combined with inherent design weaknesses, has led to severe earthquake damage, underscoring the urgent need for targeted risk assessment, improved engineering solutions, and adaptive mitigation strategies.

India’s annual losses
from earthquakes
$ 0 bn
Annual losses to
buildings in India
$ 0 bn

Impact and Key Findings

1

This study is developing SeisVARA_Hill, an open-access tool designed to estimate earthquake damage and losses in hill-region buildings. It enhances disaster preparedness by providing critical risk assessments, aiding mitigation strategies, and improving resilience in vulnerable areas. 

2

By integrating globally benchmarked fragility models, the tool improves the precision of loss predictions for buildings with structural irregularities in hilly terrains, supporting risk assessment, informed decision-making, and enhanced disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions. 

3

The damage and loss estimates will guide immediate response efforts and long-term risk reduction strategies, ensuring targeted preparedness for seismic-prone mountainous regions. This data supports resilient infrastructure planning and informed decision-making to mitigate future earthquake impacts. 

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.