Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha: Risk-Informed Governance and Policy Development
Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha
Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha: Risk-Informed Governance and Policy Development

Towards Resilient Power Infrastructure in Odisha: Risk-Informed Governance and Policy Development 

Odisha’s power sector faces severe vulnerability to cyclones and floods, causing extensive infrastructure damage and prolonged outages. This report advocates a paradigm shift from reactive relief to integrated disaster management, emphasizing preparedness, mitigation and recovery. It highlights risk-based governance, institutional coordination and financial mechanisms under the Disaster Management Act, leveraging SDRF/NDRF and global best practices.  

Recommendations include updating codes and standards, adopting resilient designs, underground cabling, and integrating climate-risk data into planning. Capacity building, early warning systems and stakeholder engagement are critical for timely response. Financial strategies propose insurance, reinsurance and innovative instruments to supplement public funds. Incorporating global frameworks like Sendai and SDG 9 ensures sustainability.  

Ultimately, Odisha’s approach aims to “Build Back Better,” creating robust, adaptive power infrastructure to withstand climate-induced hazards and safeguard socio-economic stability. 

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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.