Seismic Risk Evaluation of University Buildings in Bhutan

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Seismic risk evaluation of Bhutanese university buildings in Bhutan

This study evaluates the seismic risk and vulnerability of critical educational infrastructure at the Royal University of Bhutan, ensuring safety and functionality during and after earthquakes.

As one of Bhutan’s two tertiary institutions, the university comprises 11 colleges, with most buildings constructed in the 1990s—before seismic codes were established.

Their structural limitations heighten earthquake susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted assessments, retrofitting strategies, and resilience planning to protect students and academic continuity.

Earthquake’s share
of AAL in Bhutan
$ 0 mn
Annual losses for
buildings in Bhutan
$ 0 mn

Impact and Key Findings

1

This project assesses seismic risks in educational infrastructure and delivers targeted recommendations to reinforce buildings, enhancing structural resilience. These measures ensure safety and functionality, minimizing disruptions and protecting academic continuity during and after earthquakes.

2

This project equips decision-makers with data-driven insights to develop targeted risk reduction strategies and prioritize investments, strengthening earthquake resilience across Bhutan’s educational sector. These measures enhance structural safety, ensuring long-term protection for students and academic facilities. 

3

This project supports the creation of policies that enhance structural safety, ensuring a secure learning environment for students and staff in high-risk areas. By addressing vulnerabilities, it strengthens resilience and promotes long-term educational continuity. 

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.