Wastewater Mapping and Wetland Siting for Urban Cooling in Nepal

Partenaire de mise en œuvre : Build Change

Project name: Wastewater Vulnerability Mapping and Identifying Wetland Construction Sites to Cope with Urban Extreme Heat and Cooling the Local Environment of Birgunj Metropolitan City, Nepal

Wastewater mismanagement in regions like Nepal, illustrated by Birgunj’s polluted Sirsiya River, poses serious environmental and social threats.

This study integrates policy, spatial, and social perspectives to tackle water pollution and urban heat. Using stakeholder engagement and vulnerability mapping, it recommends constructed wetlands to enhance microclimates and water quality.

The research promotes public health, supports riparian equity, and contributes to SDG 6, delivering scalable, climate-resilient strategies for sustainable urban water management.

Possible decrease in
surface temperature
near wetlands
0 %
Untreated wastewater in
Nepal’s urban areas
0 %

Impact et résultats clés

1

Urban wetlands reduce temperatures through natural evaporation, helping cool surrounding areas. By easing heat stress, they make neighbourhoods safer and more livable, especially for vulnerable communities facing extreme heat in densely populated cities.

2

Mapping wastewater vulnerability guides precision interventions, ensuring constructed wetlands address both pollution and heat stress. This approach strengthens climate-adaptive urban infrastructure, boosts resource efficiency, and fosters healthier, more resilient environments for urban communities.

3

The project advances heat resilience by equipping local authorities with actionable insights for evidence-based urban planning, integrating nature-based solutions into sustainable development and disaster risk frameworks to promote climate-adaptive, healthier urban environments.

Nos ressources

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.